diff --git a/config.yml.example b/config.yml.example
index 1bc0e23..3a9c112 100644
--- a/config.yml.example
+++ b/config.yml.example
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 development: &defaults
+  maintenance: false
   riak: &riak_defaults
     host: localhost
     http_port: 8098
diff --git a/liquor-cabinet.rb b/liquor-cabinet.rb
index 3021335..114070f 100644
--- a/liquor-cabinet.rb
+++ b/liquor-cabinet.rb
@@ -47,6 +47,10 @@ class LiquorCabinet < Sinatra::Base
   # Cabinet doors
   #
 
+  before do
+    halt 503 if settings.maintenance rescue false
+  end
+
   ["/:user/*/:key", "/:user/:key", "/:user/*/", "/:user/"].each do |path|
     before path do
       headers 'Access-Control-Allow-Origin' => '*',