Anyone who’s watched or read a news report is well aware of the current pandemic, known as the Coronavirus. Initially isolated to the Wuhan (China) province, the Coronavirus (or COVID-19) has spread throughout the globe impacting everything from education, financial markets, and social gatherings. In its wake, lives have been lost, governments judged, and livelihoods interrupted.

As a precaution against further spread of this novel virus, Governors in many states have instituted a ban or guidance against social gatherings and have asked people to limit their exposure to others. The result is local businesses have seen a steep decline in visits and sometimes have been forced to temporarily or permanently shutter their business. Those of you who support these businesses, who have heeded the call to limit your exposure, should consider a compromise by ordering out from these businesses either by purchasing meals, packaged beers, or by replenishing your empty growlers, all in the name of supporting local businesses.

The next question you might ask is, how. How can I support my local businesses? The answer, given the focus of this website, one should support local public houses, taprooms, breweries, and grocers, by visiting one of the following businesses. With a brewery, it’s understandable that one can recover their favorite ale or lager from a nearby grocery store. But consider the immediate impact a purchase at a brewery can make, not to mention the prospect of a fresh can or bottle of beer can taste like. What is needed is your willingness to support the local business not by occupying a seat at the bar but by getting your food or drink “to go”.

With this in mind, here is a partial list which in the coming days, weeks, will grow to include not only alehouses, public houses, breweries but also restaurants, bars, and grocers. Breaking it down, the list includes any businesses with ‘take-away’ growlers, crowlers, or packaged beer, and also (where applicable) support for orders over the phone. In other cases a simple visit to purchase a gift card, also helps the business navigate this troubled period.

A word of caution. Most times a personal growler may require sanitation so it would be wise to call ahead and confirm if the business is providing growlers or will sanitize your growler before filling. This process is necessary to limit not only exposure but transmission. The businesses which support sanitizing your growler ask for your patience as this process can take up to an hour. Please plan with your patience during this unusual period.

Another word of caution before proceeding in the spirit of altruism - be healthy. The hospitality industry is fragile, in part because it requires physical presence to get your food and drink delivered to you. We are asking anyone that exhibits the signs (which include shortness of breath or fever) to stay home and avoid contact with others for at least 2 weeks. There are few businesses out there which deliver food, let alone those who deliver beer, cider, or wine. We ask that you consider the health of others if you think you might be sick.

British Columbia

-Breweries-

Delta. Four Winds Brewing

Address: #4 - 7355 72nd Street

Phone: (604) 940-9949

Supports: Pre-filled cans, bottles, takeout (paid for in person or online), delivery (paid for in-person or online).