The only beer distributor in Gilpin apparently has closed.
B & L Beverages, located at 298 State Route 66, closed without notice.
“My mother said she noticed they had been closed and mentioned it to me,” said Gilpin supervisor Charlie Stull.
A phone call placed to the business Monday revealed the number was out of service.
Their website and Facebook pages have been deleted.
On Sunday, the business was locked and its shelves appeared empty.
There was no note or explanation posted for customers on the building.
Online real estate records list William C. Johnston as owner of the building since 2012.
“It is saddening to hear we have lost a business within Gilpin Township. I hope the vacant spot will fill as soon as possible,” Stull said.
Gilpin supervisor Linda Alworth said she wasn’t aware the business had closed, but had heard locals express concern that business had declined there.
“Some people mentioned stopping by and that beer Inventory was low,” Alworth said. “It’s not easy being a small business and the big conglomerates are selling beer now. It makes it tough. I heard they were having trouble a few months ago.”
The owner of B & L would not provide her name and declined to comment.
Joyce Hanz is a freelance writer.
