Struggles and Integrity: The Challenges of Opening a Brewery

Starting a brewery was never going to be easy. I knew this. I prepared for the hurdles, the bureaucracy, the delays, and the unexpected expenses. But what I didn’t anticipate was how directly and personally some of these struggles would impact me.

I’ve always believed in transparency, both in brewing and in business. Just as I take pride in sharing the successes, it’s only fair to share the difficulties too. This is about honesty—not just with myself, but with those who follow this journey. Running a business comes with challenges, and pretending otherwise would be disingenuous.

One of the core principles I set for this brewery was to operate fully within the local laws. Unlike many others who find ways around regulations, I registered the brewery as an official alcoholic beverage producer, fully aware that this would mean higher taxation and increased scrutiny. But this was the right thing to do. I live here, and I respect the country I’ve chosen to call home.

The Bank That Doesn’t Support Your Business

This is where the story takes a frustrating turn. I was introduced to a bank officer who knew exactly what kind of business I was setting up. She opened both personal and business accounts for me, fully aware of my company’s official registration details and the nature of my operations. Everything seemed straightforward—until the moment I tried to pay for my brewing equipment.

That’s when I discovered that this particular bank has an internal policy against supporting businesses involved in alcohol production and gambling. Other banks in the country have no such restriction, making it even more baffling that the bank officer failed to inform me. If she had, she could have simply refused to open the accounts, instead of knowingly allowing me to deposit funds into accounts I would never actually be able to use.

There’s no official document stating this—only an internal memo. No transparency, no warning. The bank was more than happy to take my deposits, but when it came time for me to use my funds for their intended purpose, they simply refused.

This meant my payment for essential brewing equipment was blocked, delaying my production and causing unnecessary financial strain. Worse still, this was information that had been deliberately withheld from me. The person who opened my accounts had every incentive to keep me in the dark—after all, my money sitting in their bank earns them interest every day. It’s a calculated strategy, and it’s one I’ve always found deeply unethical.

Fortunately, I have built a strong relationship of trust with the equipment manufacturer, who fully understands the difficulties I am facing. We remain in constant contact, and I provide them with regular updates, screenshots, and documentation to demonstrate my good faith. This stark contrast between an opaque banking system and a business partner willing to work with me reinforces the importance of transparency and ethical dealings in any business relationship

Delays and Determination

Now, instead of moving forward with my equipment purchase, I’m forced to spend time searching for alternative solutions. It’s not just about the financial loss—it’s the frustration of dealing with an opaque system designed to benefit the bank at my expense. This is the kind of roadblock that slows down entrepreneurs and independent businesses, not through legal constraints, but through corporate gatekeeping.

Yet, even in the midst of this setback, I remind myself why I’m doing this. I think about the warm glow of the lights that will illuminate the taproom at night, the wooden textures of the bar, and the potatoes I planted, slowly growing in the soil. The garden is taking shape, becoming more structured and intentional. I’ve finalized the layout of the brewery, ensuring that the stage for live music remains a focal point while creating intimate spaces within the wooden house.

I focus on what I can do, even as these obstacles momentarily slow my progress. I won’t deny that this situation has shaken me, but it hasn’t stopped me. The brewery is still coming, and when it does, it will stand as proof that honesty, integrity, and perseverance matter—even in a world where obstacles are sometimes placed in your path on purpose.