Utah’s first Black-owned brewery, Policy Kings, has poured its last pint, announcing Friday it was permanently closing — just days after co-owner Sara Ridgel revealed the business was months behind on rent.
Why it matters: Policy Kings’ closure is a blow to Utah’s craft beer scene and to representation in an industry where less than 1% of breweries nationwide are Black-owned.
Catch up quick: Policy Kings received an eviction notice Sept. 10 and failed to leave the premises, according to a complaint filed Wednesday by its landlord — HMB Partners LLC — seeking a minimum of about $49,000 in unpaid rent.
- Attorneys for the LLC did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment.
- The Violet Hour, an upcoming lesbian bar, organized an online fundraiser earlier this month to help the brewery recoup legal fees.
State of play: Policy Kings opened in Cedar City in 2018 before relocating to Salt Lake City’s trendy Central Ninth neighborhood in May…