Small Brewery Sunday will return for a second year on November 29. The national beer holiday, created by the Brewers Association — the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers —encourages beer lovers to celebrate on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and support local breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms throughout the holiday season.

This year’s holiday is extremely important as the pandemic continues to push the ups and downs of small craft brewery business. “This has been a devastating year for craft brewers, as they’ve faced shutdowns, decreased sales, layoffs, and an aluminum can shortage,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association. “Our most recent member survey revealed only 78 percent of small breweries are confident that they’ll still be open at this time next year. As shoppers support local independent businesses, what better place than your local craft brewery? Six packs, gift cards, or merchandise all make great gifts and every little bit helps. It’s crucial for beer lovers to support their local brewery, taproom, or brewpub throughout these next few critical months and beyond.”

According to a recent survey of Brewers Association members, many breweries have experienced declining sales — down about 22 percent in the third quarter of 2020. The survey also reported that approximately two-thirds of at-the-brewery sales during the third quarter of the year occurred outdoors, insinuating that winter will be a little tougher as colder temperatures arrive and many small brewers struggle to withstand the lasting effects of the pandemic.

The idea behind Small Brewery Sunday is to allow beer lovers the chance to support small and independent craft breweries by visiting or supporting taprooms and brewpubs. To showcase the importance of customers purchasing power, the 2019 craft brewing industry contributed $82.9 billion to the U.S. economy, employed more than 580,000 Americans, and provided charitable contributions worth more than $80 million.

“Nothing goes better with a holiday meal than independent craft beer,” said Ann Obenchain, marketing director, Brewers Association. “Whether you are able to safely visit a brewery, taproom, or brewpub, or opt for curbside pickup or at-home delivery, one of the best ways to support your local economy and brewery during the holiday season is by giving the gift of craft beer and serving craft beer at the dinner table.”