Three NC breweries are backing ‘Don’t Be Mean to People’ beer in response to HB2

They’re calling it the ‘golden rule’ beer

In response to the controversial House Bill 2, two North Carolina brewers have developed a beer that sends a message. They’re calling it “Don’t Be Mean to People: A Golden Rule Saison,” and three Carrboro, NC breweries – Starpoint Brewing, YesterYears Brewing Company and Steel String Brewery – are helping sponsor it.

The Don’t Be Mean to People beer was born from an online campaign which now has 36 brewery supporters (and counting) across the state.

The project is spearheaded by brewers Erik Lars Myers and Keil Janson. The duo’s original goal was to raise $1,150 for the project, but the campaign currently sits at over $30,0000, exceeding their goal by over 2,000 percent.

Photo credit: Starpoint Brewing Co.

On their campaign page, Erik said: “When Keil and I talked shortly after the passage of North Carolina’s now infamous HB2, we were angry. We didn’t feel like the law that was passed represented us as constituents, entrepreneurs, or business owners. We wanted to do something in response. But what? What do two brewers talk about doing when faced with a world in which they want to make a change?”

The North Carolina Craft Beer Industry boasts a $1.2 billion economic impact, so what better way to make a statement than with beer? Don’t Be Mean to People is a “bright farmhouse ale made with 100% North Carolina grown and malted grain, and North Carolina sorghum molasses.”

Erik and Keil are attempting to keep costs as close to zero as possible, as 100% of the profit will go to two state organizations – Equality NC and QORDS, both of which are dedicated to securing equality for all people.

Starpoint Brewing Co. is one of the Carrboro breweries supporting production. Head brewer Nikko Carlson said: “HB2 is clearly a measure to restrict an entire community because the current legislature is either afraid of said community or harbors disdain for them.”

Although Starpoint doesn’t have a taproom in order to sell the beer, they will be assisting in its production.

“We will help brew on Saturday at Ponysaurus in Durham. Brewing is a labor intensive process, so by being present it’s more than a symbolic gesture. Many breweries will be represented either by being present the day of to assist with mashing in/out, monitoring the process, weighing out ingredients, etc. It’s amazing to see what we can accomplish as an industry and community when we band together.”

Eric Knight, co-owner of Steel String Brewery in Carrboro said: “We pride ourselves on an inclusive environment, making our bathrooms ‘all gender’ over a year ago. It’s important for businesses of all sizes to speak out against injustice and emphasize that HB2 is bad for our neighbors, friends and families.”

Photo credit: Steel String Brewery

Don’t Be Mean to People beer’s creator Erik Myers reached out to the brewery knowing they were opposed to the new law.

“We were happy to participate. We will most definitely serve the beer at our up coming beer festival – Cardinal Directions Beer Festival, May 29th. We encourage every brewery to make their voice heard, although we understand the risk in being outspoken. Breweries have always been a beacon of public conversation and action. We hope to continue that tradition.”

Nikko of Starpoint said he encourages anyone who can’t physically help brew the beer on Saturday to donate or sell the beer in their taproom or bar.

“The key to living a good life is to be true to yourself. HB2 is denying people of this, not allowing people to live and be who they are, so that’s why we want to do what we can to see it overturned.”

“Don’t Be Mean to People” will be released in the middle of May. You can donate to the campaign here.

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