Postponing Whitby Beer Fest 2024

The Whitby Chamber of Commerce regrets postponing Whitby Beer Fest 2024. The decision was not made lightly, however the organization’s Board of Directors felt it was necessary considering the circumstances.

One week before the event was scheduled to occur, the Board learned that many key components of the event were incomplete. Up to that point, the organizers had not:

• Secured a liquor license;
• Contracted with paramedics and first-aid support;
• Contracted with security guards; and
• Secured adequate insurance coverage for the venue and all participants.

Additionally, no emergency action plan was in-place for unforeseen events such as a storm or a fire.

Despite these inadequacies, the Board and staff members of the Chamber of Commerce continued to plan the event. However, three days before Whitby Beer Fest 2024 was set to begin, only some of these deficiencies were resolved.

The Board made the difficult decision to postpone the event.

Board members are keenly aware of the inconvenience this has meant for the breweries, vendors, sponsors and the public. The Board is also aware of the expenses incurred by many of these participants. This decision was also costly for our organization.

The Board chose to postpone Whitby Beer Fest 2024 because it was the only responsible decision.
The Whitby Chamber of Commerce intends to meet privately with the affected breweries and other partners to discuss the situation and make plans going forward.

Our goal is to bring the business community and the public together for a safe event. To achieve that, we need adequate time to make the necessary preparations.

– Board of Directors, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce