It’s weeks such as these when we’re glad we make alcohol. 

Things are developing rapidly with COVID-19, and we’re doing everything we can to keep on top of changes in the situation, keep our fans stocked with beer, and keep everyone safe.

So, we have good news and we have bad news.

The bad news is that the Cape May Brewing Company Tasting Room and Beer Garden will close at 8pm tonight and remain closed until further notice. All Tasting Room events through April 11th are currently canceled. 

However, there are a few pieces of good news in these trying times. Our Brewtique will open daily from noon to 7pm for your beer-to-go needs: retail kegs, cans, cases, and new-purchase growlers will be sold. Nevertheless, for the safety of everyone, we will be keeping a very strict limit on the capacity of the Brewtique at eight (8) people. 

Even better news: The Bog, our fan-favorite cranberry shandy, will be available in the Brewtique beginning tomorrow! We’re moving up the release date a few days; hopefully, this is a bright point for our fans during these trying times.

Production remains open — we’re diligently making beer for our off-premise accounts such as liquor stores and supermarkets. Please visit one of our accounts to purchase Cape May Brewing Company’s lineup of packaged beers, and visit our Beer Finder to find one near you.

As we communicated on Friday, we’ve instituted a few preventative measures to protect the Brew Crew and our visitors. Those measures will remain in force:

• An intense hard-surface cleaning schedule in the Brewtique will be maintained. 
• We have latex gloves available for our staff; however, they’re aware that there is no substitute for frequent handwashing and have been advised to increase the frequency of handwashing, as well. We encourage our guests to do the same.
• To reduce hand-to-hand contact, we will not be accepting cash. Credit cards, Cape May Brewing Company gift cards, and digital payments such as Apple Pay are the only forms of payment we’ll accept.
• We won’t be filling any outside growlers, as the possibility exists that we contaminate our growler filler; however, we’ll happily fill a new growler for you. Many of our beers are available in 6- and 4-packs in the Brewtique.

Please remember: you can tip on purchases in the Brewtique. Our Brewtique staff and Tasting Room staff are tipped employees — they will be among the hardest hit by these developments, from a financial standpoint. We ask that you take care of them as much as you can.

We understand that these are trying times. However, some short-term sacrifices are necessary to maintain our safety in the long-term. We’ll do everything we can to ensure that the short-term discomfort is as easily weathered as possible while ensuring that the safety of our visitors, fans, and staff remains the highest priority.

We thank you for your cooperation and hope that you and your family remain safe and healthy.

If you’re anything like we are, right now, you probably could use a beer.

So, for the time being, the Cape May Brewing Company Tasting Room, Brewtique, and Beer Garden will remain open for business. However, we’ll be taking additional precautions.

While we pride ourselves on high levels of cleanliness at Cape May Brewing Company, we are taking extraordinary preventative measures to protect the Brew Crew and our visitors.

• All employees have been encouraged to remain home should they feel unwell.

• An intense hard-surface cleaning schedule will be maintained.

• We have latex gloves available for our staff; however, they’re aware that there is no substitute for frequent hand washing and have been advised to increase the frequency of handwashing, as well. We encourage our guests to do the same.

• To reduce hand-to-hand contact, we will not be accepting cash. Credit cards, Cape May Brewing Company gift cards, and digital payments such as Apple Pay are the only forms of payment we’ll accept.

• We won’t be filling any outside growlers, as the possibility exists that we contaminate our growler filler; however, we’ll happily fill a new growler for you. Many of our beers are available in 6- and 4-packs in the Brewtique.

• We ask that you have your valid IDs easily accessible at the door.  Our greeters will no longer be hand stamping upon arrival.

• All beers will be served in single-use, disposable plastic cups. However, new pint glasses will remain available for purchase in the Brewtique.

• We will be closely monitoring attendance in the Tasting Room. The State of New Jersey has recommended that all gatherings remain under 250 people, and we’ll be keeping things well under that.

• Our self-guided tour will remain open; however, all guided tours have been canceled until further notice.

While Social Distancing is suggested — keeping away from crowds and social engagements — if you want a beer, we’ll be here for you. We feel confident that the precautions and procedures outlined above will keep you — and us — safe.

The situation with COVID-19 is developing rapidly and, as the situation changes, we will keep you informed as to any changes in our schedule. Any updates will be communicated through social media or email.

In the meantime, please stay safe, and thank you for your vigilance during this uncertain time.