BrewDog to close ten bars in days with jobs at risk

BrewDog is to close ten of its bars within days after they were deemed “no longer commercially viable“.

It is understood the closure plans, which are part of a fresh strategy for the brewing firm’s hospitality arm, will put close to 100 jobs at risk.

The Scottish craft brewing giant’s restructuring includes shutting its flagship bar on Aberdeen’s Gallowgate and one in Dundee.

BrewDog Aberdeen was the first bar opened by the company in 2010. The bars will close for the last time on Saturday.

Chief executive James Taylor told staff the closures are part of a refresh of its estate, partly in response to “rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures” on the sector.

He added that the brand will however still look to grow its bar business, with plans for more larger bars in “destination” locations and to open smaller community bars.

BrewDog said staff at risk of redundancy will now enter a 14-day consultation period with “every effort” being made to redeploy as many members of staff as possible.

As part of a long-term strategy, the company said it will focus on “destination hubs”, including the likes of Las Vegas and Dublin and “community bars” that “create deep connections with local communities”.

In response to the news, Bryan Simpson, national lead for hospitality at Unite the Union, described the company’s actions as “morally repugnant”.

“For BrewDog to give loyal workers less than four days’ notice of the closure of their workplace is not just morally repugnant, it is potentially unlawful”, he said.

“This is yet another example of a company that doesn’t have the slightest regard for basic employment law, let alone the welfare of their workers.

“We are currently supporting our members across these ten sites to collectively challenge these redundancies, and we would urge anyone impacted to reach out to us for legal support.”

A spokesperson for BrewDog said: “We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close ten bars – which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint.

“Despite our best efforts, and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable. This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division’s focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures.

“We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. For those leaving the business, we’re providing as much support as possible during this transition.

“We remain passionate and firmly committed to our bars, and optimistic about the future, as we still see significant long-term opportunity.”