End of an Era for Prohibition Brewing Company

Another Southern California brewery is facing closure. Prohibition Brewing Company, which has been a local favorite in North County San Diego for about 15 years, has announced it will close its doors this month as its owners look to sell the business.

This comes right after the surprising news that another iconic brewery, Stone Brewing, is also shutting down its Escondido location this fall, resulting in significant layoffs.

Founded in 2011 by Ron, Kathy, and Kyle Adams, Prohibition’s Vista brewpub spans 6,687 square feet and is currently listed for $2.75 million.

In a straightforward post on Instagram, the company stated, “Many people have been asking, and here is our official word. After nearly 15 years, we have decided to sell. After this weekend we will have blowout sales on all kegs and cans.”

Kyle Adams, one of the owners, shared that this decision follows his parents’ readiness to retire, and he’s considering a change as well. He also touched on how inflation and more cautious consumer behavior have made running the business increasingly difficult.

The property includes ownership of both the building and equipment, and Adams is optimistic that there’s potential for profit for whoever takes over.

With three commercial structures across adjacent parcels totaling over an acre, it’s quite a setup. It’s fully equipped as a restaurant, taproom, and brewing hub, and there are equipment lists available for prospective buyers ready to jump into the brewing scene.

However, brokers have noted that the prime location near Highway 76 and Highway 78 could present chances for redevelopment or retail opportunities.

“I can almost guarantee we’ll be packed for the next two weeks,” Adams mentioned. “But we’re going to stop ordering food, and we’ve already halted brewing. So eventually, we’ll run out of products, and if staff find other jobs, that might leave us short-handed.”

Prohibition’s closure is part of a troubling trend in San Diego County’s beer industry, which has seen over 20 breweries shut down in recent years.

Interestingly, days before the closure announcement, a Reddit user had shared a post about a “For Sale” sign outside the brewery, highlighting, “Pssst… wanna buy a brewery?” They also noted a recent visit where they found just one employee working the bar and dining area, remarking that even weekends no longer drew large crowds.

One local commented, “Breweries ran their course. For many, going out is now a luxury.”