Cape Breton brewery faces temporary shutdown in wake of brewmaster’s death

The Route 19 Brewery and restaurant in Inverness, N.S. is awaiting a decision on whether they will have to temporarily close following the tragic death of their brewmaster, Dallas Lewis, in 2023. Lewis, 48, was found to be heavily intoxicated when he fell off the roof of the establishment.

An autopsy report revealed the extent of Lewis’s intoxication at the time of his accident, prompting investigations by the RCMP, Nova Scotia Department of Labour, and the province’s alcohol, gaming, fuel, and tobacco division. While no criminal charges were laid, the alcohol division alleged three violations of liquor licensing regulations, including allowing an employee to be intoxicated on the job, overserving patrons, and lacking control over the premises.

During a hearing at the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, it was disclosed that Lewis had been working on the day of his death, seen on security footage serving drinks and engaging in activities such as fixing the dishwasher and providing tours. His behavior, including staggering and dancing, was described as out of character for him.

The company’s legal team denies the allegations, arguing that the violations should be dismissed without penalty as Lewis was not overserved, and his fall from the roof could not have been foreseen by the staff. They maintain that all reasonable steps were taken to prevent violations and that any infractions were due to an “honest but mistaken belief of fact.”

While the defense acknowledges the tragedy of Lewis’s death, they emphasize that the matter at hand pertains strictly to regulatory violations and not the incident itself. They point out that there were no prior instances of breaching licensing regulations and that a liquor inspector had visited the premises shortly before the accident.

However, the Department of Labour revealed that safety law infractions were recorded just one day before Lewis’s death, including orders for the lack of a joint occupational health and safety committee, an emergency eyewash station, and an inspection of the dock leveller. The company also received warnings for various safety policy violations.

Both sides have submitted final arguments, with the government recommending a 60-day closure of the premises, while the company maintains that no penalty is warranted. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board is expected to render a decision within the next 90 days.

The tragic incident at Route 19 Brewery serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and responsible alcohol service practices in all establishments. The outcome of the impending decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the brewery and its future operations.