Sooke Brewing Company’s building in Sooke, British Columbia, has been targeted by vandals with spray paint reading “evidence?”, prompting the Sooke RCMP to open a criminal investigation and increase patrols in the area following a widespread controversy over a co-owner’s T-shirt.
Criminal Investigation Opened After Sooke Brewery Building Vandalized
Sooke RCMP received a report earlier Friday regarding graffiti left on the exterior of the Sooke Brewing Company building. Staff Sgt. Greg Willcocks, commander of the Sooke RCMP detachment, told CTV News that someone spray-painted the word “evidence?” on the structure. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance video from the surrounding area and have asked anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Police confirmed this is the first vandalism report received in connection with the ongoing controversy. While authorities have not yet identified a suspect, Willcocks stated that officers are unaware of any structural damage beyond the spray paint. In response to the incident, local officers who already conduct frequent nighttime patrols in residential and business districts will increase their presence and make their operations visible.
Public Backlash Erupts Over National Day for Truth and Reconciliation T-Shirt
The vandalism follows intense public backlash that began after a photograph circulated online showing Sooke Brewing Company co-owner and head brewer John Adair wearing a T-shirt that read “Show Me the Evidence” while working at the brewery on Sept. 30, 2026, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. CityNews Vancouver reported that the image spread rapidly across Threads and Reddit, prompting widespread outrage, calls for a boycott, and a flood of negative one-star reviews on Google.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honors residential school survivors, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. While Adair has not publicly commented on the meaning behind the shirt, Sooke Brewing Company released multiple statements addressing the incident. The ownership group initially issued an apology calling the message offensive, inappropriate, and unacceptable, and later announced that Adair had been terminated effective immediately. The brewery also closed temporarily, cancelled upcoming events, and reached out to First Nations leadership to listen to concerns.
Did You Know? Sooke Oceanside Brewery owner Ryan Orr stated that mistaken identity has led to separate boycotts, lost wholesale orders, and negative online reviews for his unrelated business following the Sooke Brewing Company controversy.
Community Impact and Separate Business Caught in Fallout
Sooke Brewing Company stated that it is devastated by the incident and emphasized that Adair’s views and actions do not reflect the values of the ownership or staff. Meanwhile, the Sooke News Mirror reported that Sooke Oceanside Brewery was forced to issue a public clarification to emphasize it has no ownership or business connection to Sooke Brewing Company after facing misplaced consumer anger.
Police are aware of social media posts connected to the controversy, though Willcocks could not immediately confirm whether authorities have received other formal reports of threats or harassment without reviewing recent call logs. The brewery itself did not respond to interview requests from CTV News prior to publication.
Brewery Fires Co-Owner over Offensive Shirt
Why was Sooke Brewing Company facing online backlash?
The brewery faced heavy criticism after a photo circulated online showing co-owner and head brewer John Adair wearing a T-shirt that read “Show Me the Evidence” while working on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
What actions did Sooke Brewing Company take regarding the co-owner?
The company issued a public apology calling the T-shirt offensive and later announced that John Adair had been terminated effective immediately, while also closing the brewery temporarily and reaching out to First Nations leadership.
Are other local businesses affected by the controversy?
Yes, Sooke Oceanside Brewery owner Ryan Orr reported that mistaken identity caused his separate business to face boycotts, lost wholesale orders, and negative online reviews.
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