Update from SDBG Leadership: Misconduct & Accountability in San Diego Craft Beer

The San Diego Brewers Guild leadership team, including myself and the 10 board of directors, would like to respond to the recent news of sexual harassment, racism and toxic work cultures within San Diego craft beer and the industry at large.

As mentioned in the SDBG initial response, we stand with victims of harassment, particularly in the craft brewing community. Our industry is overdue for change, and as a key organization in San Diego craft beer, the SDBG can do better to be that change. 

To help the San Diego craft beer community advance from the very saddening series of events that have prominently come to light, SDBG will be in communications with all members to provide additional resources as well as trainings for building safer, more inclusive workplaces. 

The SDBG Board of Directors are in the process of forming a specialized task force to create a formal Code of Conduct for our association and all its members. 

SDBG is hosting sexual harassment training for our members on June 11th which includes information on reporting incidents, enabling viewers to recognize bad behavior and report it without fear of retaliation. SDBG members will receive a separate email with details and how to register. 

SDBG is exploring opportunities with community leaders, specializing in Labor and Employment Law, to create annual training programs for members that comply with mandates as well as develop new tools, guides and resources. If you are interested in hosting a future workshop on one of these important topics, please contact [email protected]. 

The SDBG leadership team recognizes this is a lot of necessary work, in order to make our local brewing community a better place to work, do business and promote beyond San Diego. We will share updates on these initiatives.

If anyone is the victim of sexual assault, please reach out:

• Center for Community Solutions San Diego: CCS operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego along with a countywide 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline. The nonprofit agency also provides emergency domestic violence shelters, hospital and court accompaniment, as well as legal and counseling services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center: NSVRC provides research & tools to advocates working on the frontlines to end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse with the understanding that ending sexual violence also means ending racism, sexism, and all forms of oppression.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Update on the SDBG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
​Championed by current SDBG President and Co-Founder, CEO of Second Chance Beer Co. Virginia Morrison, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee was formed in January 2020, consisting of 15 members - brewery employees and community members. Chaired by Notable Industry Journalist Beth Demmon and Carmen Favela of Border X Brewing & Mujeres Brew House, the mission of the DEI Committee is to:

• Be a resource for SDBG members looking to implement diverse, inclusive, and equitable practices into their businesses
• ​Spearhead outreach in communities currently underrepresented in craft beer
• Educate craft beer consumers on how to be agents of change in the community

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​Here is a look at the recent Hiring and Rehiring Onboarding Guide released to SDBG members on April 8, 2021. 

The San Diego Brewers Guild believes that craft beer - when enjoyed responsibility - brings people together from different races, ethnicities, orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to positively impact communities. On behalf of the SDBG and its board of directors, we’d like to thank everyone in the San Diego craft beer community for their engagement, feedback, and future participation in these programs. 

Sincerely, 
Paige McWey Acers
Executive Director, San Diego Brewers Guild