In response to recent global events, First Mile Brewing Co. released the following statement last week regarding the coronavirus, COVID-19, and our short-term mitigation strategy:
"In light of the confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maine, we’d like to assure you we here at First Mile Brewing take staff and customer health and safety seriously. The tap room will remain open at this time, though we will continue to monitor the situation, as necessary.
We have implemented a few changes to help:
Staff will sanitize high touch areas more frequently throughout their shift (door knobs, table tops, sink handles, etc)
Staff will sanitize the iPad cash out system more frequently
Games and table menus have been removed. A menu is available with your server upon request
Staff will also continue normal cleaning routines. Glassware is, as always, sanitized between uses. Our brewers will also continue to follow industry standard cleanliness and sanitizing practices in the brew house and during the brewing and packaging processes.
Please remember to do your part to help control the potential spread of this virus. Remember to wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face, be kind to each other. And as always, if you’re feeling unwell, stay home!"
However, as of today, FMB has issued the following statement, in accordance with state mandate:
"After much thought and consideration concerning the current COVID-19 pandemic, the First Mile Brewing Family has decided to close the tap room for in house guests at this time. We do this with heavy hearts but with our staff and public health safety as our top priority.
We will continue to offer to go options, including many canned options and new growler fills. We will only fill new, unused growlers for the time being. Please do not bring your empty growlers in - we will not be accepting them until further notice. We also will only be accepting credit and gift card payments. NO CASH.
This is in effect through Sunday, March 29 at which time we will reassess the situation and the current CDC recommendations.
Our hours will be adjusted as follows:
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 330-600
Saturday: 200-600
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: Closed
All tips will be donated to the Fort Kent Ecumenical Food Pantry to assist families in need during these tough times.
We thank you for your continued support and patronage.
Be safe. Stay healthy."
A global pandemic such as this one is entirely unprecedented. But, with strict mitigation strategies now being implemented state- and nation-wide, this is an issue that we will all weather together. In such trying times, please remember that the health of you and your loved ones are first priority, and, if personal well-being permits, continue to show support for your community's local small businesses. If you would like to keep abreast of news about brewery and tap room operations, feel free to subscribe to our email list from our website. We will be releasing updates and revelations as needed over the course of the next couple to several weeks, and we would love to keep you posted.
We have it on good authority that our beer tastes just as good in the comfort of your living room as it does in the taproom--so come on in, grab a 4-pack or two (or three or four,) and then go home and stay healthty!
Much love,
The FMB Family