BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WLOS) — A long-time Black Mountain brewery says the town’s sudden shutdown of its upper deck has cut its occupancy by more than two-thirds, leaving its future uncertain after Hurricane Helene devastated the community more than a year ago.
Black Mountain Brewing, which has operated in downtown for more than seven years, says the Town of Black Mountain’s building inspector ordered the immediate closure of its upper deck on Aug. 30, ahead of Labor Day weekend. The decision reduced the brewery’s allowed capacity from 89 patrons to 25.
Owners say the deck, inspected and permitted by the town since 2018, has been used safely for years and was not damaged during the storm.
“It’s caused us to really question whether or not we are going to be able to survive this next year,” co-owner John Richardson said.
HELENE: A JOURNEY OF HOPE (BLACK MOUNTAIN)
Richardson said revenue has dropped 54% compared to last fall, a major hit after the business already experienced months of lost production and smaller-than-usual crowds following Helene.
“We just came off a natural disaster that killed over 40 people in our county,” Richardson said. “This was a critical year for us. So, to face a shutdown by the town on a facility that they have approved for the last seven years without a problem, without any real reason, is devastating.”
According to Richardson, the town is now saying the deck “never should have been allowed to be built.” He says officials have told the brewery the deck may need to be fully enclosed and have sprinklers installed.
DEC. 1, 2025 – A “Stop Work” notice from the Town of Black Mountain. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
Black Mountain Brewing says it has permitting records signed off by building, zoning and fire officials over multiple years. Owners say two structural engineers, one in 2018 and one recently, have confirmed the deck is safe for public use.
“It’s been over 90 days since Labor Day,” Richardson said. “They know what’s going on here, so their silence says everything that we need to know, and that’s why we felt we needed to go public with our story.”
The shutdown has led to furloughs and a major slowdown in business operations, according to ownership.
Award-winning head brewer Amadeus Hill, who earned a Gold Medal at the NC Brewers Guild competition this month, has been furloughed without a paycheck. SMOKE Black Mountain, the on-site food truck, closed indefinitely due to reduced traffic.
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“It’s actually a very emotional thing for me,” owner Jade Brown said. “I’m a mom of four, and this was my sole income.”
The brewery has also halted new beer production and reduced its days of operation.
Business owners are asking town commissioners to halt enforcement actions against previously permitted businesses unless immediate safety hazards are confirmed. They say other business owners have privately voiced concerns about inconsistent enforcement, but fear retaliation if they speak publicly.
“Why are we not getting the answers that we deserve?” Brown said. “It’s not just affecting a person; it’s affecting every employee here.”
News 13 has reached out to the Town of Black Mountain for comment and is waiting to hear back.
This is a developing story. News 13 will provide updates as they become available.
