Pontoon Brewing Switches From Beer To Hand Sanitizer

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — In response to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the emerging crisis in the hospitality industry, Pontoon Brewing Company has shifted its focus from regular taproom operations to curbside service, support for those in the hospitality industry affected by the pandemic, and production of safety supplies such as hand sanitizer.

Pontoon Brewing’s Sandy Springs taproom has been closed since March 17 for on-site service.

"Pontoon Brewing fully appreciates the necessity of social distancing and flattening the curve," the business said. "We are also committed to supporting our full and part-time staff and, in order to keep the business running in this difficult time, we will need to find ways to replace the business which is no longer able to walk in the door."

To do so, Pontoon Brewing is accepting orders for packaged beer to-go, merchandise, and gift cards which can all be picked up via curbside service. To place an order, go to the Pontoon Brewing website store or call the brewery directly at 770-674-1075. With either method, curbside pickup can be arranged. Pontoon Brewing staff will be available to assist during the brewery’s new adjusted hours of 11 a.m.-7 p.m., seven days a week.

During this time, Pontoon Brewing also encourages members of the community to donate to the non-profit organization Bottleshare. Bottleshare was founded to support industry workers and their families when they experience adversity outside the workplace. When someone in the craft beverage industry is experiencing a crisis or extreme hardship, Bottleshare not only wants to help them financially, but wants to lift their spirits, give them something to celebrate and share their story in such a way that they feel their very own hope renewed.

Donations to Bottleshare can be made to their Facebook page and will go directly to employees in the craft beverage industry who are experiencing hardship during this crisis. When Pontoon Brewing is able to return to regular operating hours, the brewery said it will continue to work with Bottleshare to set up events to support the community of craft beverage employees.

“We understand there’s a lot of uncertainty out there with the announcement of restaurants and bars closing,” says Christopher Glenn, Founder and Executive Director of Bottleshare. “While necessary, we know this will have an impact on our craft beverage industry and its employees. We at Bottleshare will do everything we can to support the community during this critical time.”

In further support of Bottleshare, Pontoon Brewing, in partnership with Rock 100.5’s Bailey & Southside Show, will begin offering free hand sanitizer for curbside pickup at the taproom. While the hand sanitizer is free, Pontoon Brewing and the and Bailey & Southside Show crew are encouraging continued donations to Bottleshare.

"Pontoon Brewing is committed to its community," the brewery said. "In the face of this pandemic, we will be continuing safe practices throughout the business while also striving to bring the community new and exciting beers. Be on the lookout for announcements on releases which will, in all cases, utilize the strictest of procedures to keep everyone safe. In addition, Pontoon Brewing is committed to creating a safe and clean atmosphere for their community to return to when they feel safe and comfortable. The entire staff will be continuing the enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures already implemented in the recent weeks. Once the danger has passed, Pontoon Brewing will re-open their taproom so it can be a welcoming space to share radically awesome beer with friends, as it always has."

Pontoon Brewing has also set up a GoFundMe for its staff.