As restrictions are lifted, cheers on National Beer Day and support Oregon brewers devastated by COVID-19 closures
PORTLAND, Ore. — On April 7, America celebrates National Beer Day to commemorate the date President Franklin D. Roosevelt re-legalized beer months ahead of other alcohol when prohibition was ended by the 21st Amendment in 1933.
Oregon’s brewers need help more than ever after a year of COVID-19 restrictions and closures.
According to Oregon Liquor Control Commission data, Oregon sold 22% less beer in 2020 compared to 2019 – a reduction of 324,169 barrels. In 2019, Oregon sold 1.46 million barrels of malt beverage. In 2020, that number shrunk to 1.13 million barrels. And 41 fewer Oregon brewers reported selling beer in 2020 – that’s a loss of one per week since the pandemic began. It’s unclear if those who stopped production will return after the pandemic.
Before COVID-19, Oregon was home to nearly 400 breweries, which helped create 43,000 jobs, $2 billion in annual wages for Oregonians and more than $6.5 billion in economic activity. Sadly, reports from the Beer Institute and Brewers Association show Oregon beer lost about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2020 because of the pandemic. According to the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, the hospitality sector was hardest hit in Oregon, with 50,000 jobs lost.
On National Beer Day, Oregonians can help revive these homegrown businesses, which are a crucial part of the state’s culture and identity.
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About the Oregon Beverage Alliance
The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org
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