Remember when the craft beer biz was fun? When it’s possibilities seemed endless and the buzz was electric? Now thanks to the coronavirus we’re all living in a more sobering time.

Like in South Carolina, home to 92 breweries and brewpubs most of which could be gone for good by June…

A statewide survey of craft breweries in the ‘Palmetto State” by the S.C. Brewers Guild paints a bleak picture of COVID-19’s impact on the industry.

On April 14 the South Carolina Brewers Guild released survey results which revealed that a large majority of the state’s craft breweries are now questioning if they will be able to stay open for more than one to three months.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the state-mandated closure of taprooms for many SC breweries, their primary and most profitable source of income. And even those breweries with canning capabilities have been hindered by a population in a bunker mentality with no predictable end in sight.

• The South Carolina Brewers Guild survey’s results couldn’t have been more concerning…
• On average, sales from breweries and brewpubs are down by 70 percent. With about 45 percent showing sales declines of more than 80 percent.
• 35 percent of all breweries ceased production entirely, with 60 percent slowing it.
• About 70 percent of breweries have laid off or furloughed employees.
• 80 percent of respondents won’t remain open after three months. 15 percent say they won’t be able to stay open another one to four weeks and 65 percent say they likely will only be able to stay open between one and three months.

Other results in the survey are equally ominous…

• On average, sales from breweries and brewpubs are down by 70%, with about 45% showing sales declines of more than 80%.
• More than a third of all breweries have ceased production, with 60% drastically cutting back.
• About 70% of the breweries have been forced to lay off or furlough employees.

“The industry has almost ground to a halt at this point,” South Carolina Brewers Guild’s Executive Director Brook Bristow,  explained to The State.