Police, Supporters Back Brewery In Black Lives Matter Backlash

MONTAUK, NY —As a Facebook page continues to call for a boycott of Montauk Brewing Company beers, others are turning out in support — including members of the local police department.

Montauk Brewing Company has been the center of a social media firestorm after detractors blasted the business' support of Black Lives Matter on a Facebook page, "Defund the Montauk Brewing Company," which now has more than 27,000 members.

The outrage focuses on a sign, handwritten by Montauk Brewing Company founder Vaughan Cutillo in June. The sign read: "The founders and team at Montauk Brewing Company support the movement with all our heart. Black Lives Matter. We have donated to and will continue to donate to support organizations that support the cause. Come as you are."

The words have incited fury among some who charge that the brewery does not support police.

East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo spoke to Patch about Montauk Brewing Company and begged to differ.

"The Montauk Brewing company has always showed tremendous support for the EHTPD, its PBA and all East End police departments," Sarlo said. "They have donated and shown support for law enforcement, local fire departments and EMS, and have been a charitable part of the Montauk community.

Retired EHTPD officer John Moss is the father of one of their founders, Sarlo said. Cutillo co-founded the business with brewmaster Eric Moss.

"John was one of the hardest working, most skilled and professional street cops I have had the pleasure of working with during my career," Sarlo said. "I know these people do not condone acts of violence against the police, and meant no ill will toward law enforcement in general by their statement. It's very unfortunate what is happening right now."

The East Hampton Town Police Benevolent Association told Patch that while they had no statement at the present time, they planned to meet with the owners of the brewery next week.

Despite the uproar, Montauk Brewing Co. hopes to focus on getting back to business — on Friday, the Montauk Brewing Company's Twitter page spotlighted a limited release Lighthouse IPA.

"We suggest the best way to celebrate your favorite beer is to buy a six-pack from your neighborhood beer store or raise a glass at your local bar, and make a toast to all those who keep us safe, healthy and secure," Cutillo told Patch.

But those in opposition continue to call for businesses to banish the brew.

"This group is to bring awareness," the Defund Montauk Brewing Company Facebook page said. Montauk Brewing Company, the page said, made a "poor decision by supporting an anti-American terrorist group." Members of the group continue to post in support of businesses pulling the brew from their taps."There will be no Montauk Brewery Company items sold here! Back the Blue!" Timothy Nickels wrote.

As the anger-fueled comments spread on social media, another Facebook page, Save Montauk Brewing Company, was created. "This is a group to bring awareness to the persecution of the Montauk Brewing Company. Their tagline, 'Come as you are,' is about inclusivity."

Although a gathering in support of the Montauk Brewing Company, suggested by Black Lives Matter advocate Willie Jenkins, was nixed, Jenkins said on Saturday, people should show their support by raising a glass and buying a beer.

"Since tomorrow we are not heading to Montauk, let's still all do our part and make it Montauk Brewery Day!" he wrote on Facebook. "Wherever we are, let's post ourselves purchasing their products and promote them like never before...We will not be intimidated and won't allow them to be intimidated and bullied, either."

Meanwhile, owners of the brewery set out to explain what had happened in a letter posted on social media.

In June, owners said, "we spoke up about an event that displayed racism and responded by donating to two non-profits, BEAM, focused on emotional/mental health and healing, and the NAACP. While our post received overwhelming support initially, recent responses made us realize that we should clarify and affirm our intent. Our post was specifically in support of racial equality. We unequivocally, and unapologetically, stand against racism and violence in any capacity."

Cutillio said the outcry was confusing."

"We are a small, community-based, 10-person business, that has always wanted all people to have good vibes — no matter who they are. Our tagline 'Come As You Are' is about inclusivity — we want everyone who likes beer to feel great," Cutillo said.

The company will always support our police, first responders, nurses, doctors, fire departments, and the military, he said. "Because they are good people, doing good things, and protecting the good vibe mantra that our brewery stands for."

When the coronavirus crisis first hit, Cutillo and his staff hand-delivered care packages with T-shirts and other merchandise to local fire departments and police stations.

Cutillo said the pandemic hit his business hard, as well. "These have been tough times. We're a small, local team trying to survive the pandemic. And now we have people coming to our community to stir up trouble. It's hurtful, but we will get through it. Our message has always been, 'Come as you are.' We welcome anybody. That's been our company motto, as we give back and work with the community."