AO Tourism partners with John Emerald Distillery to make sanitizer for community

Local distillery gets creative, produces sanitizing solution for hospitality partners and community

In light of the recent spread of COVID-19 and the desire to help our partners, John Emerald Distillery is providing assistance to Auburn-Opelika hospitality colleagues and community members.

As part of their normal distilling operations, John Emerald Distillery has access to a 95% ethanol base. Having this ethanol available enables them to develop a highly effective sanitizing solution of ~70% ethanol and distilled water. At this concentration, microbes are killed upon spraying and evaporation. As an extra layer of protection for our community, John Emerald Distillery will begin donating this solution to our hospitality colleagues under the following guidelines:

The 70% ethanol and water solution is recommended for surface spray as a final step after shift cleaning. Once the area has been sprayed, do not wipe. Allow for natural evaporation.

During service, the spray should be utilized for high-touch surfaces, including but not limited to:

All doorknobs & door handles
Lavatory
Sink faucets
Toilet seat and handles
Glass-touch surfaces

John Emerald Distillery requires all who accept this donation to agree to and sign a liability waiver. Under no circumstances is this solution to be consumed or resold.

Donations can be fulfilled during the hours of noon until 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday beginning on March 18, 2020. John Emerald will continue this program for as long as possible.

When you come to pick up, bring one of the following recommended vessels with you:

A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) container with a tight, reseal able closure. Some large “mayo” jars should be fine. Check the bottom of your sealable container. If you see a recycling logo with a “2” in the middle, it will work.
A sturdy glass vessel with a tight, reseal able closure.

At this time, the donation will be limited to 2 liters. The solution will be pre-mixed at the distillery and ready for use.

AO Tourism wants to support our partners and our neighbors during this time. We will continue striving to be a source of support for our fellow front line hospitality professionals whose partnership is valued and necessary as we all try to navigate these uncharted waters.

- AO Tourism & John Emerald Distillery