The holiday season is a brewer’s gold rush. With taproom parties, gift card sales, and last-minute growler fills, the foot traffic explodes. While the increased revenue is welcome, it brings heightened risks for staff health, general safety, and, critically, liquor liability.

Here are three key areas to focus on to ensure a safe, healthy, and profitable holiday season.

1. Staff Health & Wellness: Prevent Burnout

Your team is your most valuable asset, especially when running on high-octane holiday cheer. Burnout leads to accidents and poor service decisions.

• Prioritize Rest: Create a fair and predictable scheduling policy that avoids excessive back-to-back shifts. Encourage team members to take their assigned breaks—even a 15-minute walk can reset focus and prevent fatigue-related mistakes in the brewhouse or on the floor.
• Keep the Fuel Clean: Offer complimentary, healthy snacks and water to combat the temptation of quick, sugary fixes. Hydration is essential for everyone, especially those working near hot equipment.
• Clear Communication: Maintain an open forum for staff to report safety concerns or feeling overwhelmed. A happy, well-rested team is a safe team.

2. General Safety: Mitigate the New Hazards

Increased crowds, decorations, and winter weather create new obstacles for both staff and patrons.

• Clear the Walkways: Ensure holiday decorations, extension cords for lights, and extra inventory don’t clutter aisles or block emergency exits. A misplaced cord is a trip hazard.
• Address Winter Weather: If you’re in a cold climate, prioritize keeping all entryways, sidewalks, and the parking lot salted, shoveled, and clear of ice. A slip-and-fall claim is an unwelcome holiday gift.
• Train for Lifting: With a surge in case and keg sales, remind all staff about proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries. Team lifts should be mandatory for anything over 50 lbs.

3. Liquor Liability: Protect Your License

During celebratory times, the risk of over-serving increases. Protecting your guests protects your business.

• Re-Certify and Re-Train: Before the season starts, conduct a mandatory refresher on your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. Review signs of intoxication and intervention protocols.
• Empower the Team: Give every staff member the clear authority to “cut off” service to an intoxicated patron without needing management approval. Reinforce that you will back their decision 100%.
• Provide a Safety Net: Partner with a local ride-share service or taxi company to provide vouchers or a clear path home for any guest who has had too much.

By focusing on your people and proactively addressing risks, your brewery can navigate the holiday rush successfully and safely, ensuring a festive season for all.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.