E Pluribus Brew-num

Democracy Brewing

democracy brewingTime for a pint of the people, for the people and by the people. Co-founders James Razsa and Jason Taggart are co-opting the co-op model for Democracy Brewing, a worker-owned, democratically governed brewery and pub. With backgrounds in economic justice and (of course) brewing, the pair are putting the public back in the public house with their Boston beverage operation. “We’re really seeing how brutal inequality is in American right now,” says Razsa. “I think we need to start thinking in a really different way economically and the best thing we can do is tap in to what makes America great, which is democracy.”

Democracy Brewing promises to be community-oriented, welcoming guests with an array of beer styles at accessible prices. “Traditionally, the public house has been the third place that’s not your home and not the church,” says Razsa. “It brings people together,” serving as an “an amazing lubricant to getting things done.” (Like, say, a little thing called the American revolution.) With the tap list, Taggart – formerly head brewer of John Harvard’s – covers a range from double IPA and oatmeal stout to pale ale and saison (and a five-dollar pint for those on a budget). The line-up aims to be all-inclusive, keeping beer from going the hoity-toity way of wine in the U.S. There’s something for everyone, including hard-core beer fans and casual drinkers. “There’s nothing wrong with knowing every single hops strain and there’s certainly nothing wrong with not knowing or caring about any of that, and just wanting a beer,” says the brewer.

The community focus extends to the brewery’s business model, where the democratic ideals manifest in employee ownership and voting processes. After years of labor organizing in the Boston area, Razsa sought out a solution to workplace injustice. “We don’t just want to have our dream jobs – and this is definitely mine and Jason’s dream jobs – but we also want to see something that’s bigger than ourselves, providing classes for folks who want to own their own businesses and organizing workers so they know their rights.” After a year, employees can be voted on to the team and buy a class A share in the company, so they can exercise equal voting rights and partake in profit sharing. “Everybody can really take that pride of ownership and work their butts off and see a payoff at the end of the year,” Razsa says. As part of their goals, Democracy will set aside a portion of proceeds for promoting other democratic businesses as a kind of ripple effect.

Democracy is looking at an end-of-year opening, but interested parties can get involved ahead of time. On Wednesday, March 8th, a meet-and-greet will introduce guests to Razsa and Taggart and highlight the current Direct Public Offer and investment opportunities. Plus, the brewery is hiring to round out their opening team. Keep an eye on their website for updates and be ready to welcome the new name in brewing.

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