Specialized equipment like this means nothing in the hands of thieves but everything in the hands of trained brewers. submitted/RCMP

By Spencer Sterritt

bad batch

Theft from micro-brewery brings operations to full halt

May 9, 2019 | 3:16 PM

NANAIMO — Big dreams of a micro-brewery are on hold after thieves stole equipment they’ll be unable to use.

The Cliffside Brewing Company on Cliff St. in Nanaimo was broken into overnight on Thursday, May 2.

Nanaimo RCMP said brewing equipment, power tools and even the video surveillance equipment was stolen after thieves pried open a side door.

Cliffside co-owner Jack Eubank told NanaimoNewsNOW the theft of the specialized brewing equipment costing roughly $7,000 was a “significant loss” which has ground their operation to a halt.

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“When it comes to the brewing and getting ready to actually manufacture beer, we’re at a full standstill. We can’t do anything right now.”

Eubank said they had planned to open in roughly four months and while they have some beer recipes perfected, they still needed to test out numerous other flavours.

Without the smaller equipment, Eubank and his sons would have to use larger tanks, which would cost a substantial amount if the test batch doesn’t turn out properly.

Eubank said knowing the thieves won’t be able to use the equipment makes the loss even worse.

“I’m terrified it’s at the bottom of the Millstone River or something like that, which would be such a shame.” _{Jack Eubank}

Eubank said they’ll be able to use the brewing equipment even if it’s in rougher shape and he’s hoping someone will find it discarded by the thieves.

Anyone who sees or knows anything about the stolen equipment is urged to call Nanaimo RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

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