DRAFT Magazine

Liars Club, the popular San Diego-to-Alpine bar, has shut it doors. I first heard about this yesterday and have confirmed it today with Stone’s Greg Koch and Port’s Tomme Arthur. To me, this strikes me a major blow — I loved that bar. Sure, it wasn’t the same after they moved up the hill, but after filling growlers at Alpine Brewing down the street, it was always a pleasure to walk in, sit at the bar, and order something fantastic from their magical taps.

There’s been talk that the beer industry is “recession proof”, but news like this, combined with the closure of local breweries from California to New England, and fact that beer sales were down more than 3 percent in December (according to IRI) makes it obvious that we’re not all protected from tough economic times. I understand that we can’t draw water from a stone and that telling you to support your local brewer may not seem feasible based on your personal circumstance, but I still implore you to do so.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the next hot ticket item as much as anyone else — the overpriced import, the rare beer from the other side of the country — but it seems in a time like this we ought to change our buying habits just a bit to make room for a growler fill at your local brewery or to pick up a six-pack of “everyday IPA.” The local options may not top the RateBeer and BA lists, but they are fresh and likely made by people you know by name — and that really does count for something.

Liars Club, thanks for the great beer, the wonderful food, and the kick-ass music on the jukebox. I join many others in hoping the team there lands on its feet and finds a way to come back strong. To my friends in the industry looking at the numbers, I lift a pint that your labor will be rewarded. Thank you for providing all of us with amazing, fresh, hand-crafted ales and lagers. Finally, to the consumers, drink something local this week and encourage your beer buddies to do the same.