SoCal taprooms opening up

Similar for me except I split my time between Orange County and CA.

 

In LA, both Modern Times and HPB have done a great job following all guidance and refusing to engage with people who think they're more important. Haven't felt unsafe at either location.

Per the Governor's press conference today they are watching OC, so might see some action before Friday.

 

Are Newsom's orders based purely on data?

 

San Diego County has shut down bars and breweries that don't have a license to serve food.

 

I haven't seen an official release from the county yet, but the phrasing of "license to serve food" in multiple news stories caught my eye. Does that close the loophole a lot of breweries were using by partnering with food trucks?

 

That's a good question, and I am thinking we will need to dig deep to find that answer since you know the general new guidelines will gloss over it.

Also makes me wonder if Alesmith gets away with it because they sell cheese made onsite.

 

I imagine the County release and/or industry guidance will address it, the news stories just probably aren't even aware of the importance of the distinction. Rather important for a lot of local spots, though.

Licenses to sell food to-go and serve food on-site are different, regardless of where it's manufactured. If they don't have a license to serve food, and that's the requirement, I don't think selling packaged cheese to-go would save them. Just making a semi-educated guess, though.

 

San Diego region bars, wineries and breweries without a license to serve food will need to close to prevent community outbreaks of COVID-19 and the spread of the virus, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.

 

Yeah, reading the official news release on the county website makes it sound like the food truck loophole won't work this time. The actual public health order hasn't been updated yet, so it's possible there will be something there that differs from the verbiage been used in this press release, but it's not looking great for any brewery/tasting room that doesn't have a kitchen.

 

I understand why they're closing bars/breweries that don't serve food, but why not close restaurants, hair salons and similar?

 

They should and hopefully will. Starting with the lower hanging fruit first.

 

Considering LA County beaches are closed this holiday weekend, we could very easily see those being closed again soon, especially if the case numbers increase at this rate.

 

Based on guidance from industry groups who have received clarification from the county, it appears that partnering with a third-party vendor (food truck, neighboring restaurant, whatever) is sufficient to remain open. While I'm glad that it gives breweries the chance to continue operating as they fight to remain in business, I can't help but wonder how effective the rollback is when there's such a massive loophole that nearly any brewery or bar can remain open.

 

Yes, except that just means everyone will migrate down to OC or up to Ventura (which I think is still open) to use the beaches.

It's just stupid to let the individual counties decide on their own what the rules are as it just ends up either 1) confusing people; 2) giving people an excuse not to follow the rules/laws; or 3) go to a neighboring county where things are permitted and thereby potentially transmit Covid to more areas.

Newsome just needs to suck it up and issue statewide orders, even if all the Karens won't vote for him next time around. It's also harder for the OC a-holes that issued death threats against the county health officer to do the same against the Governor... at least you know they're too lazy to drive up to Sacramento and picket in front of his house.

 

Brand new Flashpoint Brewing Co in Huntington Beach opened its doors to the public yesterday. To go crowlers only, for now. Would of gone if they were fully open. But this Covid thing has put a stop to a lot things. I will check them out soon. I think they are really close to 4 Boys.

 

First time hearing about them. Not much I could find about the folks involved but a Vienna Lager, ESB, German Pils and Porter on the current draft list is promising...

 

Well I finished my errands early today so I decided to drop by for some 16oz mini crowlets? Grabbed 4 crowlets. The German Pilsner, DIPA, pale ale & hazy. First up was the German Pilsner. Not a good beginning when it wasn’t filled to the top. Missing bout half an inch? Let’s hope the others aren’t the same. Not going to comment on taste as I’m fairly new to the Pilsner game. I will say this is nothing close to original Löwenbräu or Timbo. I’ve had a few others. Flashpoint is drinkable. Not crushable. I don’t get a lot of flavor. Original Löwenbräu had more flavor as a German pilsner.

 

I LOVE the 16oz crowlet format. I hope to see every brewery do this at some point, makes so much sense.

Cheers,

 

Some more Flashpoint pours. Their Ryt’e pale ale was too rye for my taste buds. Finishing up on my 3rd crowlet can with their Seagate Hazy IPA. I’ve got Seagate, but where’s the Haze? Taste like a classic west coast with little bitterness. This one is tolerable.