BrewDog has closed all of its UK venues as the Scottish craft beer company moves towards completing a sale of the business.
The brewer, which operates around 60 sites across Britain alongside international operations in the United States, Australia and Germany, enlisted restructuring specialists AlixPartners a fortnight ago following several years of unprofitable trading.
Chief executive James Taylor informed staff by email that the temporary closures were required to address licensing requirements connected to an anticipated transfer of ownership.
Employees across the business have been invited to attend company-wide meetings scheduled throughout Monday.
James Watt is the co-founder of the chain
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Food and beer deliveries due to take place have been cancelled and customer reservations have been called off as the company prepares for what it described as an expected change of hands.
Mr Taylor acknowledged the uncertainty facing staff during the process.
He said: “We appreciate this is an unsettling time for everyone, and we want to ensure that all colleagues have the opportunity to hear directly from us about what happens next.”
He confirmed that a series of company-wide calls would be organised to provide further updates.
Mr Taylor said: “To enable everyone to attend, and to comply with licensing issues arising from an anticipated change of ownership, we have taken the decision that none of our bars will open tomorrow (Monday). All sites will remain closed for the day.”
The company said food and beer deliveries had been cancelled alongside all customer bookings for the day of closure.
BrewDog was founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie in Aberdeenshire, positioning itself as a challenger brand within the British brewing industry.
The business expanded rapidly and developed into a global operation, with brewing facilities established in the United States, Australia and Germany.
BrewDog will shut its doors on Monday
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Approximately 1,400 employees are currently understood to work across the organisation.
Mr Watt previously stepped down as chief executive and moved into a newly created role titled captain and co-founder.
His departure followed a BBC documentary examining allegations regarding his conduct, which resulted in a complaint to Ofcom that was later dismissed.
Mr Dickie left the company last year, citing personal reasons for his departure.
The brewer recorded a £37million loss, leading to workforce reductions across the business in October.
Earlier in 2025, BrewDog announced the permanent closure of 10 UK venues, including its flagship pub in Aberdeen.
Last month, the company halted gin and vodka production at its Ellon distillery in Aberdeenshire, stating that the decision was intended to sharpen its focus on core operations.
In 2024, BrewDog faced criticism after revealing that new employees would no longer receive the real living wage and would instead be paid the statutory minimum wage.
The current sale process follows this period of financial pressure and operational restructuring, with the company’s ownership expected to change once a transaction is completed.