A beloved brewery and taproom, serving as the only haven for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Truro, Nova Scotia, is set to close its doors next month. The Truro Brewing Company, founded just four years ago, has become more than just a place to grab a drink; it has blossomed as a safe space for many, adorned with rainbow flags and portraits of queer figures.
Co-owner Jana Dellapinna expressed her heavy heart over the decision to close, noting, "We have a loyal following and there's a lot of sadness. I'm told there will be a big hole in the community once we're gone." This sentiment echoes the feelings of many patrons who have relied on the brewery as their go-to spot to express their identities freely.
Since its inception, the brewery hosted several events focusing on the 2SLGBTQ+ community, offering live music and discussions on social issues, including the residential tenancy act. "Just having a safe space for them to blossom and be themselves is hugely important," said Dellapinna. Yet, she and her partner Patricia struggled with many challenges, leading to their decision to close.
The craft beer scene has faced difficulties across Nova Scotia, with approximately ten breweries shutting down over the past year and a half. Dellapinna cited stiff competition from larger, established breweries and tough regulations imposed by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) as contributing factors to their business struggles.
According to Dellapinna, convincing the NSLC to carry their products was especially tough. "It's a very saturated market here, and the bigger breweries already dominate bars and restaurants. It’s hard to weasel your way in," she explained. The NSLC takes its cuts from every sale, irrespective of whether the products are listed with them, adding undue financial strain on smaller breweries such as Truro Brewing.
The Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia acknowledges the obstacles local breweries contend with and is actively working to address these issues. Andrew Tanner, the association's president and founder of Saltbox Brewing, discussed the opaque process the NSLC employs to determine which breweries gain shelf space, arguing this prioritizes sales volume over the opportunities for smaller brewers.
"We really want to see more shelf space open up for local craft breweries. All these brewers employ people and support their local communities," Tanner stated, underscoring the association's efforts to collaborate with government officials to request policy changes. Their aim is not only to streamline market access for local producers but also to alleviate taxation burdens on them.
The NSLC, for its part, maintains they work closely with the craft beer community to provide coaching and support for local producers. Terah McKinnon, a spokesperson for NSLC, wrote, "The number of local beer producers carried has continued to increase, as has the amount of shelf space dedicated to these products." Yet, many smaller producers continue to feel squeezed out of the market.
While Truro Brewing prepares for its final month, the community has rallied to support the business during its last days. A "one last hurrah" party is set for December 20, giving friends and supporters of the taproom the chance to bid farewell and celebrate the gathering place they’ve cherished.
Overall, the closure of Truro Brewing Company highlights the fragility of small businesses within the craft brewing industry and the unique places they fill for communities, especially marginalized groups. This beloved taproom will be remembered as more than just another brewery, serving as a lifeline for many within the local 2SLGBTQ+ community.
After all, it’s not just about beer; it’s about belonging. The end of Truro Brewing raises important questions about what will happen to those spaces where individuals felt accepted and celebrated for who they are. Will new venues rise to fill the void? Only time will tell.
