Policy Kings Brewery in Salt Lake City Has Officially Shut Down Amid Landlord Dispute

SALT LAKE CITY — What began as a high-profile battle between landlord and tenant now ends in closure: Policy Kings, Utah’s first Black-owned brewery in Salt Lake City, has officially ceased operations.

Closure confirmed after failed negotiations

• On Sept. 26, the owners announced via Instagram that, “after fighting, arguing, proposals, we still were not able to work it out with the landlord … PK is officially closed.”
• Earlier in September, they had been served with an eviction notice demanding $49,304.67 in unpaid rent and fees, to be paid within three days or vacate.
• The landlord, HMB Partners, then filed a complaint in the 3rd District Court accusing Policy Kings of unlawful detainer for failing to comply. The Salt Lake Tribune

What the owners are saying

In their closure post, the founders reflected on their journey:

“When we started this journey back in 2018, we knew it was a gamble … when we made the choice to relocate up to Salt Lake, we also knew it was a gamble.” The Salt Lake Tribune

“Thanks to the many who came and loved what we had for the time we were here … we plan to fight our landlord in court, but we can’t stay open while we do that.”

They also encouraged supporters to donate to a GoFundMe effort (launched by community group The Violet Hour) to help their legal battle.

What led here

• The eviction demand for just over $49,000 stemmed from alleged unpaid rent, late fees, and other outstanding charges.
• The owners were given a short deadline (three days) to pay or vacate.
• Despite attempts to negotiate, the closure suggests those discussions failed. The Salt Lake Tribune

Significance & community reaction

• Many saw Policy Kings as more than a brewery — it symbolized cultural and entrepreneurial representation within Utah’s craft-beer scene.
• The closure pits the realities of small business economics against high stakes legal and real estate pressures.
• Community supporters have mobilized donations, social media commentary, and advocacy — underscoring the emotional and symbolic weight of the loss.