Home / Business and Economy / Guinness Brewery Shuts Maryland Doors
Guinness Brewery Shuts Maryland Doors
9 Oct
Summary
- Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Maryland is closing permanently on November 1.
- The closure impacts 174 employees as part of a larger company restructuring.
- The Maryland site welcomed over 2 million visitors since opening in 2018.
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery, located in Halethorpe, Maryland, near Baltimore, is scheduled to close its doors permanently on November 1. This decision will result in the layoff of 174 employees, as indicated in a notice filed with the Maryland Department of Labor on October 1.
The closure is attributed to a significant restructuring effort undertaken by Diageo, Guinness's parent company. This move comes after a review of operations and long-term business priorities, with a spokesperson emphasizing it is not a reflection of the team's dedication or community support. The Maryland brewery had been a popular destination since its opening in 2018, attracting over 2 million visitors.
Industry experts suggest that shifting alcohol consumption trends, including a decline in U.S. alcohol use and the practice of alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, may have influenced the decision. Despite the closure of the Maryland location, Diageo has reaffirmed its commitment to the Guinness brand, stating that its Chicago brewery will remain the sole U.S. facility and that investment in the brand's future is ongoing.
