Sycamore beer pulled from shelves across the Carolinas after co-founder charged, licenses and leadership in flux
I have confirmed that arrest warrants were issued on December 10 for Sycamore Brewing co-founder Justin Tawse Brigham. He faces allegations of statutory rape of a 13-year-old, first degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. He is in custody on a reported 10 million dollar bond. The legal shock has triggered a wave of immediate business and policy consequences that now threaten the future of the Charlotte brewery.
These are allegations. Mr. Brigham is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What happened and what it means legally
Court officials tell me the next hearing is set for December 29. In cases involving minors, judges often impose strict conditions. That can include no contact orders, monitoring, and travel limits. Expect those issues to be addressed at the hearing.
At the same time, Sycamore has moved to cut ties with its co-founder. Co-founder Sarah Taylor Brigham is assuming full leadership. The company says Justin Brigham will divest his interests and have no further role. That step is not just optics. It is a legal move aimed at protecting permits, contracts, and reputation while the case proceeds.
This case involves a child. Do not share identifying details. Harassment of any party can trigger criminal and civil penalties.
Retailers act, contracts tested
I confirmed today that multiple major retailers began removing Sycamore products from stores and taps. Bars across the Carolinas have followed suit. Retailers generally have the right to delist a product at any time, unless a written supply agreement says otherwise. Most beer supply into grocery and big box channels is at-will. Bars have even more discretion because service is on premises.
North Carolina and South Carolina beer franchise laws protect relationships between breweries and wholesalers. Those rules limit how quickly a brewery can switch distributors. They do not force retailers to keep a product on shelves. This means Sycamore’s distribution network might remain intact on paper, while consumer-facing placements vanish overnight.
Landlords and sponsors can also act. A planned family friendly location for 2026 will face renewed scrutiny. Private parties can cancel or renegotiate if morals clauses apply. Many modern contracts include those clauses for alleged criminal conduct that harms a brand.
Licenses and compliance, what regulators require now
Sycamore holds state ABC permits and a federal Brewer’s Notice with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. When ownership or control changes, the company must notify regulators promptly. In North Carolina, permittees, officers, and managers must be of good moral character. Removing a charged executive from control can help preserve permits. Regulators can suspend or revoke permits if unsuitable persons remain in charge.
At the federal level, TTB requires updates for changes in proprietorship or control. Some changes require prior approval. Others require notice within a set window. Failing to update can risk fines or a disruption in brewing and shipping.
There is also a federal beneficial ownership rule. Companies must update their owner report within 30 days of a change. Sycamore’s pledge that Justin Brigham will divest triggers that filing duty once it occurs.
Alcohol businesses should review crisis plans, ownership disclosures, and succession documents now. File change notices quickly to avoid permit risk.
Timeline of key events
- Dec. 10: Arrest warrants issued, bond set at a reported 10 million dollars.
- Dec. 11: Sycamore announces leadership change and planned divestment by Justin Brigham.
- Dec. 12: Major retailers and bars begin pulling Sycamore beer from shelves and taps.
- Dec. 29: Next court hearing scheduled.
Consumer and worker rights
Consumers can ask for refunds from the point of sale. Stores set their own refund policies for unopened alcohol. Bars may swap a pint on request. There is no recall at this time. Beer quality is not in question. This is a conduct crisis, not a safety issue.
Workers have rights too. Employees may discuss workplace conditions and safety. That is protected under federal labor law. Reporting harassment or misconduct is protected activity. Retaliation is unlawful. Employers must maintain a safe workplace and enforce anti harassment policies. If Sycamore reorganizes, it must honor those duties and preserve payroll and benefits through any transition.
Useful steps for customers today:
- Keep your receipt and ask the retailer about refunds.
- Contact the brewery only through official channels, not personal accounts.
- If you are a licensee, check your contract and seek legal counsel before dumping inventory.
- Consider directing community support to local victim services.
Can the brand survive
The legal case will move on its own track. The brand’s future depends on governance. The company can move to seat an independent board. It can appoint outside compliance counsel. It can create a survivor support fund and publish a clear conduct code. If lenders or partners demand it, a rebrand or asset sale is on the table. Franchise law and distributor contracts will shape any sale timeline. Quick, transparent filings and clean separation from the charged executive will matter in every conversation with regulators and retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a recall of Sycamore beer
A: No. This is not a product safety issue. Retailers are choosing to pull the brand.
Q: Can stores legally refuse to sell Sycamore now
A: Yes. Retailers can delist products unless a contract says otherwise. That is common in alcohol sales.
Q: What happens to Sycamore’s permits
A: Regulators can review permits if control changes or if unsuitable persons remain. Timely filings and removal of the charged executive reduce the risk.
Q: What is the next court date
A: December 29, 2025, according to court officials.
Q: What should bar owners do with current inventory
A: Review your distribution contract and ask your wholesaler about returns. Document decisions and follow state alcohol rules.
In short, the legal case is separate from the beer in your fridge. The courtroom will decide guilt. Regulators and partners will decide whether Sycamore keeps its taps flowing. The next two weeks, and the next filings, will decide the company’s fate.
