As of July, only 37% of adults in the U.S. said they’d feel comfortable going out to eat right now, with more than half saying they won’t feel safe going out for a bite or a drink again for another 6+ months. That’s a tough reality for the craft beer industry, as an estimated 40% of all craft beer sales in the U.S. are generated on-premises.

While off-premises beer sales have increased significantly during the pandemic, that’s not enough to help many craft breweries survive. While some do have the canning and distribution capabilities for retail, consumers are opting for larger packs and familiar value brands — Busch Light, Natural Light and Miller Light have all seen double-digit increases in the past few months — not a dynamic that leans in craft beer’s favor. Other breweries have had to quickly adapt and invest in canning/bottling equipment that wasn’t part of their business model in order to manage their supply. Some smaller breweries have been forced to dump their barrels altogether.

All these difficulties paint a grim outlook for the future of beer. But Prohibition also painted a grim future for alcohol, and, well, consumption continued to thrive. It just took some ingenuity.

So with resourcefulness in mind, here are five ideas inspired by other slices of culture that could help get more craft brews back in the hands of more beer connoisseurs:

Milkman, meet Beerman.

Even before COVID, milk delivery was a peripheral trend. Now, it’s alive and kicking — breathing much-needed life into small dairy farms and farmers. Even the convenience store chain WaWa has started working with GrubHub to offer milk delivery in their areas, and have been finding these deliveries actually outpace the overall recent boom in home food delivery.

Now apply that same approach to beer. Sure, Drizly can deliver your beer. And many breweries have already shifted to delivery options. But what about the charm of a local brewery coming to drop off or fill up your growler and leave it outside your door? Part of what people love about craft beer is the story, the personal connection, the emotional investment of its brewers. Imagine having a growler dropped with a simple handwritten “thank you.” Many breweries are looking to get people back to work, and while this solution may not involve work in the taproom, it’s certainly a means to utilize their teams in different ways while creating a one-on-one experience — without breaching any social-distancing barriers.

Drop the Brew.

Sneakerheads are equally as fanatic about streetwear fashion as craft beer connoisseurs are about their brews. While sneaker drops tend to draw massive crowds — — not kosher in a COVID era — there’s still inspiration to be gained, particularly if you marry such an event with the popular resurgence of the drive-in. Imagine — an empty parking lot, cars parked waiting for a premiere — but rather than all collectively enjoying the screening of a movie, you’re going to get to crack open an exclusive beer — together, but apart. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy a growler or six-pack as you leave. It’s a pop-up meets brew-drop meets driveway party.

Hello Fresh…Beer.

There are a number of “of the month” clubs. And yes, even “beer of the month” clubs exist. But those clubs often work across various breweries and randomize the selection, and the most successful subscription services are based on personal preferences. Over the past few months, subscription services have become go-to purchases; the COO of ReCharge, the company who supplies payment software to over 10,000 subscription services, said they have seen “strong growth across multiple verticals.” Craft beer lovers tend to have their “favorite” brewery, so why not allow them to subscribe to have their favorite brews brought to their doorstep on a regular basis. Meal-kit subscription companies have seen operation-saving increases over the past few months; Blue Apron’s sales doubled through mid-April, year-over-year, at roughly $100 million. Imagine, every Friday, a new six-pack or growler is waiting for you at home, like clockwork; it’s almost like bringing happy hour straight to you. That’s a TGIF reward, for sure. And breweries are building a strong consumer database at the same time.

Working from Home, Celebrating Together

In an ongoing state of “working from home,” employers are in need of ways to continue to build morale and camaraderie amongst employees. In fact, 65% of employers say maintaining employee morale is a problem right now. Many companies will celebrate small wins, special occasions or simply host a weekly or monthly (remote) happy hour. Breweries can help them continue those traditions, remotely — or surround their new ones, like Netflix watch parties or remote talent shows. They can join forces with local employers to provide team beers to be delivered to employees’ doorsteps (by brewery or by boss). Whether by the growler or by the can, it’s a way to distribute product in bulk, bring in new customers and help other local businesses strengthen their own brands from the inside out.

Howdy Partner.

Last year, House Wine + CheezIts earned cultural buzz when they introduced their combo picnic pack. While the idea of pairing alcohol and food isn’t a new idea, the concept does introduce some new distribution options where smaller craft beers may not have in-roads. Breweries might consider partnering up with butchers to bundle up a brew-and-brat package. For these summer months, breweries could look to local ice creameries, and pair beer with ice cream for some delicious beer floats. As forthcoming sports seasons will be focused largely around the screen, breweries might partner with local hot wings spots for a “wings and beer” home package. Teaming up with other food purveyors — locally or regionally — can appeal new users to craft brewers’ brands, serve up new occasions for enjoyment and add distribution points that they may not otherwise have.

It may feel like an eternity since we were out of our homes, purchasing beverages poured right from the tap. For craft brewers, it’s certainly felt like an eternity since they’ve been able to pour you a frosty pint of their lovingly crafted refreshments. With a little creativity, perhaps both groups can get back to doing what they love a little sooner than later.