What Happens to Partially Used Beer Kegs When a Local Bar Closes?
When a local bar with two dozen beer taps closes, the fate of the opened-but-not-empty kegs depends on several factors. From returning them to the supplier to finding a new home for the remaining beer, there are various options depending on the specific circumstances. Here’s an in-depth look at how these kegs are typically dealt with.
Return to Supplier
The simplest solution for a bar that is closing is to return the opened-but-not-empty kegs to the supplier or distributor from whom they were purchased. Most suppliers have policies in place for accepting returns of partially used kegs and providing credit or refunds to the bar for the remaining beer. This way, the bar can get some value back from the inventory, and the supplier can manage their stock levels more efficiently.
Transfer to Another Establishment
For bars that are part of a larger restaurant group or chain, the initially opened kegs may be transferred to another establishment within the same company. This allows the beer to continue to be served until emptied. This practice is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste and allows the remaining beer to be enjoyed by a new set of customers.
Sale or Donation
In some instances, the bar may choose to sell or donate the partially used kegs to another business or individual. This could be another bar, restaurant, or even a private event host. Selling or donating the kegs ensures that the remaining beer is enjoyed rather than wasted. This option is particularly beneficial when the bar is closing, as it can help offset some of the financial losses while still getting some use out of the remaining inventory.
Disposal
If none of the above options are feasible, the bar may need to dispose of the opened-but-not-empty kegs. Properly emptying and cleaning the kegs before recycling the materials or disposing of them according to local regulations is crucial. This ensures that the environmental impact is minimized and that the bar meets all legal requirements for waste disposal.
Ultimately, the decision on what to do with the opened-but-not-empty kegs will depend on the specific circumstances of the bar's closure, contractual agreements with suppliers, and the bar's efforts to minimize waste and maximize value for the remaining inventory.
In the UK, it is common for bars to offer free beer on the last day, allowing patrons to enjoy the remaining beer before the closure. However, this practice is not always feasible during unexpected closures. During the pandemic, our event space faced a similar situation with 3 dozen cases of bottled beer that expired while closed. The distributor took back the expired cases and credited their price to offset future purchases. They also opened the bottles and dumped the beer down the drain before returning the bottles to the breweries. This same process is likely to be followed for the kegs.
The only difference is that the bar owner might not receive a credit for the unsold beer since the bar is closing and there won't be any future purchases from the distributor. Regardless, finding a sustainable and ethical solution for the remaining beer is crucial for both environmental and ethical reasons.