On October 2, police officers arrived at the brewery’s original location in downtown Chula Vista to serve the notice, requiring an immediate closure through November 16. The ABC cited repeated noise complaints as the reason for the suspension. However, the Parkers, who are Black and Hispanic, contend they have been unfairly targeted for years and say language in prior state transcripts included “highly racially stereotyped” remarks.
“This time felt different,” the couple said, noting that they were denied an appeal through the ABC’s standard process - a deviation from prior suspensions. Anticipating the enforcement visit, the Parkers and their attorney Cliff Dover held a press conference outside the brewery’s Third Avenue location as officers arrived, framing the action as a stand against institutional discrimination and government overreach.
A statement issued by the brewery’s publicist, S Harris Communications, described the closure as “a blatant act of racial discrimination,” asserting that the allegations against the Parkers were unsubstantiated and that they have been subjected to “false and racially motivated targeting.” The release also noted that Parker - a Navy veteran and respected community figure - has faced unfounded claims, including accusations that the brewery served underage patrons or that he was a “drug dealer,” neither of which has been supported by any agency findings.
“This is bigger than one business - this is about the right of Black entrepreneurs to exist and thrive without being criminalized or targeted,” said Timothy Parker in the statement. “We’ve built a space for community, culture, and connection. These allegations are false, discriminatory, and deeply harmful — but we are standing firm in the face of injustice.”
The closure has drawn widespread attention and community support. On social media, Chula Vista Brewery’s Instagram account (@cvbrewery) urged the public to email city, state, and ABC officials demanding an equal review process and fair treatment for local small businesses. “This isn’t just about one business - it’s about fairness for everyone,” the post read. “Our voices matter. Our community matters.”
According to the Parkers, the ABC’s latest visit was handled in an unusually aggressive manner. “ABC showed up with three sheriffs to post the notice when, for suspensions in the past, it’s typically one guy in a suit who comes and places the notice - not threatening at all,” they said. “We’re not sure what the three officers were about this time around.”
They also shared that they recently met with Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, city officials, and members of the Chula Vista Police Department, who expressed support for the brewery. “They agreed with us and said they’ll be making a statement soon to ABC disagreeing with the agency’s false claims - including that we’re a nuisance to the community,” the Parkers said. “They also confirmed they will support us in our fight against ABC and help develop the neighborhood into an entertainment district.”
They also shared that they recently met with Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, city officials, and members of the Chula Vista Police Department, who expressed support for the brewery. “They agreed with us and said they’ll be making a statement soon to ABC disagreeing with the agency’s false claims - including that we’re a nuisance to the community,” the Parkers said. “They also confirmed they will support us in our fight against ABC and help develop the neighborhood into an entertainment district.”
Concerns over inequitable enforcement in Chula Vista extend beyond this case. According to a 2022 investigation, Chula Vista police officers were five times more likely to use force on Black people than on White or Hispanic individuals between 2018 and mid-2022 - a disparity community advocates say highlights long-standing inequities in the city’s treatment of Black residents. The department has since pledged to expand bias-awareness training and address internal accountability.
Since opening in 2017, Chula Vista Brewery has become a point of pride in the South Bay craft beer scene, earning awards and recognition for its small-batch beers and community engagement. The Parkers’ second location in Eastlake, at 871 Showroom Place, Suite 102, remains open for business during the suspension.
The ABC has not publicly commented on the discrimination claims but confirmed that the 45-day suspension remains in effect.
For now, the Parkers say they plan to continue challenging what they describe as systemic inequities in business regulation, while rallying community support to ensure Chula Vista Brewery remains a symbol of representation and resilience.
Since opening in 2017, Chula Vista Brewery has become a point of pride in the South Bay craft beer scene, earning awards and recognition for its small-batch beers and community engagement. The Parkers’ second location in Eastlake, at 871 Showroom Place, Suite 102, remains open for business during the suspension.
The ABC has not publicly commented on the discrimination claims but confirmed that the 45-day suspension remains in effect.
For now, the Parkers say they plan to continue challenging what they describe as systemic inequities in business regulation, while rallying community support to ensure Chula Vista Brewery remains a symbol of representation and resilience.
For more information about Chula Vista Brewery, visit chulavistabrewery.com.
Originally published on October 21, 2025. Information first reported by Brandon Hernandez of San Diego Beer News.
Originally published on October 21, 2025. Information first reported by Brandon Hernandez of San Diego Beer News.
