Surly to close beer hall ‘indefinitely’ on Nov. 2

KSTP
[KSTP-TV]

Local beer giant Surly Brewing Co. announced Wednesday it will close its beer hall indefinitely on Nov. 2.

The brewery cited an inability to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for the decision.

"The Beer Hall had to make the most significant changes to adapt to a crumbling restaurant industry and the demands of city, state and federal COVID-19 health and safety regulations," the brewery’s statement reads. "As we complied fully with the safety measures, it became clear that beer halls are by definition gathering places and gathering places and pandemics don’t mix."

Surly Brewing Company employees call for unionization

According to the brewery, revenue at the beer hall is down 82% compared to this time last year. The brewery also projects it would lose another $250,000 if it remained open over the winter.

The announcement comes as hospitality staff at the beer hall announced their intent to unionize. According to the brewery’s statement, the plan to close the beer hall was made prior to the employee’s announcement.

After the announcement, Unite Here Local 17, the union Surly employees are seeking to join, called the decision "clear retaliation for them forming a union".

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