We have heard our fair share of taproom etiquette suggestions outside of COVID-19. But what do breweries want beer fans to know about the subject during the COVID pandemic?

Breweries In PA again went to craft beer veteran John Stemler of Free Will Brewing in Perkasie, PA, who has seen it all, to find the answers.

We asked him:

“What is your suggestion for taproom etiquette during COVID?”

John’s top tips during COVID:

1. The service staff is financially affected by this greatly. Tip well. If you can’t afford to do so, probably shouldn’t be going to places to be served. Stay home.

2. Be understanding of the guidelines we are attempting to follow. We are not doing this to “infringe on your rights”, make things difficult because this is “silly or stupid”, or make things annoying because you “forgot your mask.” If you are not satisfied with the requirements we must follow, please take this up with your local state representative. If you are rude, you will be asked to leave.

3. No, we don’t do samples or fill growlers or crowlers or draft as it is a point of high risk of potential transmission and we are fortunate enough to have a wide selection of canned and bottled beer. Other locations are not as fortunate and have to do what they have to.

4. Yes, you need a meal. No, you can’t order a beer first.

5. No, you can’t push a bunch of tables together. No, I don’t care who you are.

6. That 6’ gap is social distancing, not room for you to get ahead in line.

7. Buy merch, but please don’t touch it.

8. We still don’t want to touch your own trash.

9. Our cold cans are for on-site consumption, not our cold 4-packs and 6-packs. Those are for home. If now is the time to “game the system” to save money, again, probably should stay home.

10. We are all trying to survive this together. Don’t be an ass.