Death & Co seeks funding for staff after job cuts

US bar operator Death & Co has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support its employees after the group cut most of its workforce due to covid-19.

Death & Co Denver closed its doors due to social distancing measures

Death & Co, which operates bars in New York, Denver and Los Angeles, said it has been forced to lay off the “majority” of its employees at the three sites after they were forced to close in accordance with social distancing measures in the US.

The bar said that “while unemployment will provide some level of support, it will not be enough”, and that the team would look for further ways to support its staff.

As a result, Death & Co has created a crowdfunding campaign with a target of US$50,000 that will be distributed to its staff.

In a statement, the bar said: “While we want nothing more than to rehire every single one of them as soon as possible, the coming weeks will present huge financial challenges for all – not just in paying their rent and grocery bills, but the inevitable expenses of health care.

“While our company is committed to continuing supplement health insurance up until April 30th (and hopefully beyond), there are members of our team who are uninsured. For this reason, Death & Co is seeking the assistance of our community in the creation and building of an emergency fund.”

The crowdfunding campaign has so far raised US$7,071 from 57 donors. One of Death & Co’s investors has also pledged to match funds raised up to US$10,000.

The bar group has tasked seven employees from its venues to oversee the funds and decide how they are distributed. Suggested uses for any money raised include support for emergency staff needs, ensuring health care remains uninterrupted and weekly payments to cover ongoing immediate needs.

The coronavirus outbreak has had a dramatic effect on the world’s drinking dens. As pubs and bars around the world struggle, SB explored ways you can support your local from the safety of self-isolation.