‘There’s a lot of sadness’: Truro brewery and taproom touted as safe space will close next month

Truro Brewing Company, a beloved brewery and taproom in Truro, Nova Scotia, known for its inclusive and welcoming space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, has announced that it will be closing its doors next month. Co-owned by Jana and Patricia Dellapinna, the decision to close was not made lightly, as the brewery has garnered a loyal following and served as a vital refuge for many in the historically conservative town.

Since its establishment in 2019, Truro Brewing Company has been a hub for community events, live music, and discussions on social issues. The taproom was adorned with rainbow flags and portraits of prominent queer figures, creating a safe and empowering environment for patrons to gather and express themselves freely.

The closure of Truro Brewing Company adds to the growing number of craft breweries in Nova Scotia that have shut down in recent months. Jana Dellapinna cited various challenges that made it difficult for the brewery to thrive, including fierce competition in the saturated market, struggles with wholesale distribution, and obstacles in securing a listing with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).

The NSLC’s process for selecting local beers to be sold in stores has been a point of contention for many craft brewers in the province. Andrew Tanner, president of the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia, highlighted the lack of transparency in the selection process and the corporation’s focus on volume sales, which often disadvantages smaller producers.

In response to these concerns, the association has been advocating for reduced taxation for brewers and increased retail opportunities for local producers. While NSLC has noted an increase in the number of local beer producers carried in stores, the closure of Truro Brewing Company underscores the ongoing challenges faced by small craft breweries in the province.

Despite the impending closure, Truro Brewing Company plans to host a series of events in the coming month, culminating in a “one last hurrah” party on December 20th. Jana Dellapinna expressed gratitude to the patrons of the brewery, urging them to “keep being who you are” and emphasizing the importance of celebrating authenticity and diversity within the community.

As Truro Brewing Company prepares to bid farewell, its legacy as a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance in Truro will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of experiencing its welcoming embrace.