The CEO of New York-based craft brewery Threes Brewing has stepped down, following a backlash over his criticism of vaccine mandates in the city. Josh Styleman, who is also the craft brewer’s co-founder, has left his position “effective immediately”, the brewery said this week. He has been replaced in the role by the brewery’s COO Jared Cohen. Styleman was criticised on Social Media after describing vaccine mandates as “a crime against humanity”, as well as comparing New York vaccine legislation to policies introduced in “Nazi Germany Stalinism, Maoism, and other dark times in human history.” The brewery moved to distance itself from Styleman’s views, issuing a statement in which it described the comments as “inappropriate and inaccurate”. In a new statement on Twitter yesterday, Threes Brewing thanked consumers for their support, while paying tribute to Styleman’s “leadership and vision” over the past seven years. It said that Styleman had chosen to resign as he believed his responsibilities as CEO to be “in conflict with his duties as a parent and as a citizen”. “[He] is choosing to be able to speak his mind without concern that the team at Threes will be held responsible for his personal views,” the brewery added. Just Drinks has contacted Threes Brewing for comment. Supply Chain Special – What’s the impact on beer? – Click here for a Just Drinks comment