Ballard breweries outline plans for reopening their taprooms

Ballard’s group of breweries have joined together to create a list of guidelines they plan to adhere to during King County’s modified Phase 1.5 reopening.

The Ballard Brewed Coalition has agreed on the following:

• Fewer guests: Taprooms will allow 25 percent capacity indoors and 50 percent outdoors. There will be no bar seating or standing, and tables will be spaced six feet apart or separated by a physical barrier. Parties will be capped at five, and dogs and children must be seated with their adults (children must be accompanied by adults at all times).
• First-come, first-served: Breweries will not be taking reservations, so if they’re at capacity, you’ll have to return later or visit another brewery.
• Optional sign-in: The coalition has created an online form which will be accessible at each brewery. Guests are welcome to record their names and contact information for the purpose of COVID-19 contact tracing efforts. Information provided voluntarily will only be used if needed by public health authorities and will be discarded after 30 days.
• Sanitizing: Breweries will have hand sanitizers at entryways, and point-of-sale systems will be sanitized between each customer. High-touch surfaces—tables, chair backs, door handles, light switches, water stations, and restroom fixtures—will be sanitized regularly throughout opening hours.
• No samples: Most breweries will not be providing sample tastes of draft beers.
• General guidelines for guests: The coalition asks that guests bus their own tables, wear masks while moving around the taproom, be alert for signs to help navigate the newly arranged taprooms, use the online form for contact tracing purposes, and check with individual breweries for opening dates, hours, and other policies.

While not all breweries will be opening at the same time, many will start reopening their taprooms this week and next. For specific brewery details, visit social media pages for more info.

Photo: Reuben’s Brews on Facebook