Surrey’s Distilleries Step Up with Hand Sanitizer

Introducing some of Surrey’s own hospitality heroes! Due to a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, distilleries in Surrey and around the world stepped up and started producing hand sanitizer and disinfectant sprays.  At a time when many small businesses are concerned about the possibility of going out of business, these craft distillers recognized that they were in a unique position to contribute to the fight against this virus and quickly adapted their operations. Following a recipe provided by the World Health Organization, the distilleries use the byproducts that naturally occur in the distillation process. The provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch also recently updated a policy directive which has given distillers in British Columbia temporary authorization to manufacture alcohol-based hand sanitizer in an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to sales to the general public, the distilleries are donating to our front-line workers, healthcare workers and first responders.

And while you’re picking up your hand sanitizer, why not grab a bottle of your favourite spirits?

Mainland Whisky

Hand sanitizer & surface disinfectant is available at the distillery from Wednesday to Saturday (12 pm – 6 pm) and at the White Rock Farmers Market on Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm. All varieties of their whisky are for sale, and they recently released a Cherry Whisky Cordial! (107-3425 189 Street)

Central City Brewers & Distillers

Hand sanitizer (80% ethyl alcohol) is available at the Central City Bridgeview Liquor Store, daily 9 am – 11 pm. Pick up a case of their newly released Fit Hard Soda, a ready-to-drink, natural fruit flavoured vodka soda beverage sweetened with monk fruit.  (12922 115 Avenue)

Dragon Mist Distillery

Hand sanitizer (70% ethyl alcohol) available in 500ml and 1-litre sizes. Grab a bottle of their signature Dragon Mist Vodka while you’re there! (213-19138 26th Avenue)

Experts say ultimately washing your hands thoroughly with simply soap and water is your best bet for cleaning hands, but hand sanitizers are recommended when access to a sink isn’t possible.

In the words of BC’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr Bonnie Henry, “Stay kind, stay calm, stay safe.”