Following are expected questions we could receive. If your question didn't make the list, feel free to reach event organizers at info@melrosebeerandbites.com. We will return your email as soon as possible!


​Cancellation due to COVID-19:

Why did you cancel this year's event? 
  • We had no choice but to cancel due to the current Massachusetts mandate that gatherings can be no larger than 25 people.  

What happens with the tickets I purchased now that the event is cancelled for 2020? 
  • We are providing refunds for 2020 ticket purchases OR accepting donations of the cost of Beer + Bites ticket(s) to feeding ministry Bread of Life, which provides the equivalent of one million free meals each year to hungry, homeless, needy, and isolated people in our area communities. Bread of Life receives a portion of Beer + Bites proceeds each year.

How do I get my refund? 
  • We are processing refunds of all tickets purchased on Eventbrite on Saturday, October 10. Any ticketholders who would like to donate their ticket purchase to feeding ministry Bread of Life should send an email to info@melrosebeerandbites.com by end of day on October 9 so we do not refund your ticket the next day. 

    If you purchased a paper ticket from us in-person, please also email us at info@melrosebeerandbites.com to request a refund or donation to Bread of Life. We will process refunds of paper tickets by check and will provide details for how this will work when you email us directly.  
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Are you planning to reschedule the event? Do you have a new date? 
  • Yes, we are absolutely interested in rescheduling Beer + Bites! With the uncertainty of the COVID landscape, we're unable to announce a new date at this point, but we will as soon as we can. In the meantime, we're already re-imagining what a Beer + Bites tasting event could look like in 2021. We may need to get creative with how we approach it, but we're up for that challenge! 


​Event Details & Logistics:​​

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​What do I get for my BEER + BITES ticket?
  • Your BEER + BITES ticket entitles you to unlimited 2-ounce pours from participating local breweries and some complimentary appetizer “bites.” Additional food items will also be available for purchase. Guests will also receive a sampling glass and event guide to take home with them.  
 
How many breweries and restaurants are participating?
  • Check out our VENDORS page for information about the breweries, food establishments and retail partners that are joining us.
 
How many different beverages will each brewery feature?
  • Breweries will decide the amount and type of brews they will feature, so this will differ from brewery to brewery.

Will you post in advance of the event the specific brews that each brewery will offer?
  • Since breweries make this decision very close to the event, we don't plan to post a list of brews that they will pour.

What is the size of the pours for sampling?
  • ​Pours are two (2) ounces, as dictated by Massachusetts State Law. Please sample responsibly, and be advised that some of the brews may contain allergens so always ask before you drink.  
    
Is there a chance that breweries will run out of the beverages they are sampling?
  • Yes, this is possible based on event attendance and the popularity of certain breweries. So be sure to sample early any favorites or new brews you’re excited to try!
 
Can I buy additional beer at this event?
  • No. This is a tasting event so we will only offer 2-ounce samples of the beverages our participating brewers offer.

Will you offer any gluten-free items?
  • Cider is a wonderful gluten-free option, and we plan to have cider companies sampling at each tasting session. We are still investigating other options beyond that. We are happy to answer any additional questions at info@melrosebeerandbites.com.

Is Memorial Hall handicap accessible?
  • ​Yes, and we are happy to provide assistance to anyone in need.

Am I able to bring food into Memorial Hall?
  • No. We will be offering complimentary and for-sale appetizer "bites" from local food establishments.

​Are there age limits or ID requirements for this event?
  • Yes, you must be at least 21 years of age with a valid photo ID. Please have your photo ID ready when you enter the event so we can be as efficient as possible getting everyone inside.

Are infants or young children permitted at the event?
  • ​No. This is a 21+ event so it would be inappropriate to bring infants or young children.

Once inside the event, can I leave and come back?
  • ​Yes. If you wish to leave and return, we will need to be sure your hand is stamped as proof that you were inside the event.

​Is there parking at or nearby this event?
  • ​Yes. Please visit the DIRECTIONS page of this site for parking guidance.

​How will the line-up and entrance to the event work?
  • ​Guests should line up at the side entrance of Memorial Hall. BEER + BITES staff will be responsible for line management and getting guests into the event in the most efficient manner possible. Please have your valid photo ID and ticket ready to help expedite this process. And if a guest is unable to stand in line for a period of time, he or she should let security or a staff member know so we can accommodate any unique needs.

Is this a fundraiser? If it is, what does it benefit?
  • ​Yes, this is a fundraiser that primarily benefits Melrose Highlands Congregational Church and the programs and outreach it supports, including mission trips, feeding ministries for A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry and Bread of Life, youth service opportunities such as Common Cathedral and City Reach, and support for area families through initiatives such as the Giving Tree, Birthday® Wishes program for homeless children, MLK Jr. Day of Service, Rosie's Place gift bags, and Housing Families Christmas party. A portion of event proceeds will also go to the Building Fund of the Bread of Life (Malden, Mass.), a feeding ministry that annually provides more than one million free meal equivalents to hungry, homeless and isolated neighbors.

Ticketing:

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What is the ticket price? Are there any additional fees?
  • Tickets are $40, plus service and payment processing fees for Eventbrite purchase. All tickets include a $1 donation to the Memorial Hall Restoration Fund. If the tasting sessions do not sell out, tickets will also be available at the door.
 
Do I need to bring my paper ticket to the event?
  • Please do, or have your ticket available on your mobile phone. After you purchase your ticket online, Eventbrite will send you a confirmation email with your ticket(s). Please also bring a valid ID – proof of age will be required to gain admittance.
 
Will you sell tickets at the door?
  • We will sell tickets at the door if the tasting sessions do not sell out in advance. 

If you sell out, will you have a waiting list? 
  • Yes, we will have a waiting list if one or both tasting sessions sell out. Last year, we were able to offer tickets to people on our waiting list, so anything's possible! If one session sells out, we can also help switch people's tickets from one session to the other if groups of friends are unable to buy tickets together due to any early sell-out. Event organizers at info@melrosebeerandbites.com can assist with these requests. 

Can I get a refund or transfer my ticket to another person if I can't attend?
  • ​Please contact us at info@melrosebeerandbites.com if you have an issue with the ticket(s) you purchase. You should know that you ARE able to update the personal information associated with your Eventbrite ticket (to change to another name, etc.). The person who uses the ticket on the day of the event must be of legal age with a valid photo ID.

Can I change my mind about the tasting session I'd like to attend?
  • It is important that guests attend the tasting session that they chose when they purchased their event tickets. If anyone wishes to change the session they will attend, they MUST contact event organizers at info@melrosebeerandbites.com to discuss this request.

PLEASE NOTE: It is our goal to provide a safe and enjoyable time for all guests. Any guest who is intoxicated prior to the tasting event will be denied entry without refund. Any guest who becomes intoxicated and causes problems during the tasting event may be asked to leave or be escorted from the event without refund. Any guest who witnesses inappropriate behavior should report the concern to security and BEER + BITES staff.