FAQ

Why are we doing this?

We are frustrated by the lack of leadership in Washington, D.C. and the negative impact the government shutdown is having on hundreds of thousands of our friends, neighbors, and members of our community, as well as local businesses. So we want to step up and help them out as best we can. Free beer is a great way to pick people up when they’re feeling down. Pay It Furloughed is a collaborative partnership between Mess Hall, food writer Nevin Martell and PR firm Quixotic.



I’m a federal employee/contractor. How do I score free beer?

Look at the live tracker on the homepage. If there are beers available, you can walk into any of the participating local breweries in the Washington, D.C. area during their business hours to claim a beer by showing valid federal identification. You must be 21+ years old.



Is there a maximum number of free beers I can claim?

Nope. You're welcome to make a day of it. Please drink responsibly, and don't drink and drive. We and our partners reserve right to limit service.



How much beer is available?

The counter on the homepage provides a real-time tally of all the beers available.



When are the breweries / partners open?

Atlas Brew Works is open Monday through Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday 4pm – 11pm, Saturday 11am –11pm, Sunday 11am – 10pm.



DC Brau is open Thursday 4pm – 9 pm, Friday 3pm – 11pm, Saturday, 12pm – 8 pm, and Sunday 12pm – 6 pm.



Shop Made in DC is participating Monday - Friday 11am - 8pm, and Saturday - Sunday 11am - 6pm.



3 Stars Brewing Company is open Tuesday - Friday 4pm - 9pm,

Saturday 1pm - 7pm, and Sunday 12pm - 6pm.



Right Proper Brookland Production House + Tasting Room is participating Monday - Friday 4pm - 9pm, and Saturday - Sunday 12pm - 9pm.



I’m a federal employee/contractor, but haven’t been furloughed or forced to work without pay. Can I still score free beer?

To access the available beers, all you need to do is show a valid federal identification and prove you’re 21+ years old. Our intention is to help those who have been furloughed, working without pay, or suffering a hardship related to the shutdown. We ask that you abide by the honor code to allow those in need receive this benefit.



I’m a D.C. brewery owner and I want to be a part of this.

Email us at info@payitfurloughed.com. Please include a contact name and phone number, and will will contact you ASAP.



Are you on social media?

Absolutely. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. #PayItFurloughed



Can I buy food for federal employees, too?

If you would like us to send a caterer or a food truck to a brewery or other area of concentrated furloughed feds, please contact us at info@payitfurloughed.com.



Will you expand beyond D.C.?

With the support of Pabst we created Pay It Fuloughed Day on January 24th with official events in over 25 cities across the United States. For venues, click here. We are also in the process of rolling out to other major cities. Check back for new cities and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PayItFurloughed



I want to do something more to help furloughed federal employees/contractors and/or D.C. area small businesses.

Email us at info@payitfurloughed.com. Share your idea and your contact info.



I’m a member of the press and want to contact you for a story.

Email Erick Sanchez of Quixotic at erick@wearequixotic.com. Please put “Pay It Furloughed” in the subject line.



Where does the money go?

The money goes directly to the brewery where the the beer is redeemed. The price covers the cost of the beer, including 10% D.C. sales tax, credit card processing fees, and website maintenance.



What happens after the furlough ends?

Federal employees/contractors will be able to continue tapping into the beer reserve for 7 days after they receive their back paychecks.