Route 19 Brewing in Inverness. Photo by CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentA Cape Breton brewpub has been served a 16-day suspension following the death of its brewmaster.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentRoute 19 Brewing Inc., which operates a craft beer brewery, restaurant and lounge in Inverness, was found guilty earlier this year of violating one liquor licensing regulation by permitting activity “detrimental to the orderly control and operation of the licensed premises” on the night Dallas Lewis fell to his death.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentLewis, 48, had worked as Route 19’s brewmaster since the establishment was first set up in 2018. On the night of July 13, 2023, he was found critically injured on Route 19’s premises and later died from multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicological results later showed his blood-alcohol concentration was between three and four times the legal driving limit.Article contentService Nova Scotia’s alcohol and gaming enforcement division recommended a 50-day suspension, asking the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board to consider the tragic death of Lewis on the evening of the infraction as an aggravating factor. Route 19 asked the board to consider issuing a formal reprimand or a suspension of up to two days.Article contentIn its ruling last week, the board noted that Route 19 “failed to draw a clear line between allowable behaviour for on-duty and off-duty employees” by allowing Lewis to repair equipment, serve himself and others alcohol from behind the bar, and enter the closed brewery and upper floors of the licensed premises.Article contentArticle contentFELL FROM ROOFArticle content“This violation was not based on a single incident but a series of actions and omissions over the course of the evening that culminated with Mr. Lewis being unaccounted for over an extended period of time, during which he apparently climbed to the roof, fell, and was fatally injured,” the board wrote in its decision.Article content“His whereabouts were generally unknown as he entered the Brewery approximately 13 times consuming alcohol, and he was seen behind the bar and serving alcohol when he was not working.”Article contentThe 16-day liquor licence suspension, which must start on a Thursday within the next month, does not prevent Route 19 from serving food or apply to activities permitted under the brewery permit.Article contentThe suspension will also be lifted temporarily for pre-booked private functions in the upstairs banquet space.Article contentThe board noted that Route 19 Brewing has taken steps to enhance security between the lounge area and the brewery since Lewis’s death.
Cape Breton brewpub served 16-day suspension after brewmaster’s death
