Nora Mishnec is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the owners of Hudson Brewing Company are calling the state Liquor Authority's decision to suspend their liquor license "nonsense." The brewery had its license temporarily suspended last week after reopening its tasting room illegally and allowing dozens of customers to gather in defiance of the state's NY On Pause order. Owner Will Thibeault defended the brewery’s actions in an interview June 2, and said his company followed state regulations during the shutdown. Thibeault and P.J. Birmingham co-own the brewery, which received its liquor license in February 2016. The Liquor Authority received multiple complaints and were tipped off to a Facebook post that showed people gathering and drinking in violation of social distancing regulations. “Everyone was outside with to-go containers,” Thibeault said. “We were not letting anyone inside. I don’t see how it is any different from other establishments.” Thibeault said he believes competing establishments, including other area restaurants, may have lodged the complaints. The SLA issued formal charges last week, but has not yet received a response from the brewery, said William Crowley, the authority’s director of public affairs. The brewery is entitled to an expedited hearing because its license is suspended and cannot operate in the interim, he said. The brewery owners are consulting with a lawyer and plan to plead not guilty, Thibeault said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.