CLEVELAND, Ohio – Forest City Brewery is indefinitely closing its tavern in the Duck Island neighborhood.
In a Facebook post explaining the decision to close, the brewery owners said that while no employees or customers, who know, tested positive for the coronavirus, “they could no longer risk allowing the public to enter the building.” .
The brewery said that while doing everything possible to “do the right thing and protect the health of our employees, our customers and our neighborhood,” the owners still had difficulty dealing with customers who refused to wear masks, maintaining a safe social distance. Or follow the rules set by the city and state.
“It appears that this disturbing trend will continue,” they wrote. “We feel that we owe it to the first responders and healthcare professionals who are our loyal customers, neighbors and friends to do everything possible to stop the spread and prevent them from feeling completely overwhelmed, as we are witnessing in Florida, Texas.” , California, and most southern states. “
“We will regroup and find a way to sell growers and cans from our building in the very near future,” the post said. “Until then, stay safe Cleveland, we will miss you and see you when you are safe again, and people will begin to act responsibly.”
In a text message, owner Jay Demagall declined to describe the closure as permanent. “Hibernating,” he said.
Forest City Brewery was launched in 2015 by Demagall, Matt Mapus, and Corey Miller, turning a former 1915 tavern on Columbus Ave. into a beer hall and tasting room. In 2019, they added a beer garden on a neighboring batch.
The brewery, which closes at the close on Tuesday, serves nine draft beers, all homemade. Duck Island Amber has been on the menu from the start.
