BOSTON — Craft brewing companies, liquor distilleries and wineries that also serve food have been included in Phase II of the Massachusetts reopening plan, according to a statement by Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday, June 1. The ruling clarified initial confusion as to whether craft beverage producers would be treated as restaurants, which will reopen in Phase II, or bars, which will reopen in Phase III. The state, particularly the metro Boston area, is known for a robust community of craft breweries, including Boston Beer Co., owner of Samuel Adams Boston Brewery. However, beverage producers that do not also serve food will be treated as bars.
Massachusetts began Phase I of its reopening plan, which included the gradual reopening of outdoor services, construction, personal services, curbside retail and office space, on May 18. Gov. Baker is expected to decide if the state will proceed to Phase II, which includes in-store retail, restaurants, lodging and additional personal services, on Monday, June 8. As of June 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 100,800 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and more than 7,000 deaths.