Carlton & United Breweries is rolling out 2,000 barrels of free beer to help pubs and clubs survive the coronavirus crisis.
Having already raised more than $1 million in cash for struggling pubs and clubs through the For the Love of Your Local campaign, CUB has today announced it will double the target to $2 million as restrictions continue to seriously impact the New South Wales hospitality industry.
The investment will give Aussie venues badly-needed cash right now plus more than 100,000 litres – or 200,000 pints – of donated CUB beer to pour for their patrons after they re-open.
CUB CEO Peter Filipovic said despite New South Wales restrictions easing, many pubs and clubs still face enormous challenges.
“The ongoing restrictions will continue to significantly limit trade and, for some venues, re-opening will have to wait until restrictions are further lifted,” Mr Filipovic said.
“Those that do will have reduced numbers.
“New South Wales pubs and clubs have already been shut for two months and the fact is many of these beloved venues won’t make it through this crisis without extra help.
So, we’re calling on Australians to help save their local and get free beer in the process.
“We’ve had 2,000 pubs and clubs join already and, if you’re a venue that needs help, I’d urge you to sign-up too.”
The lockdown has devastated Australia’s $20 billion+ pub and club industry, which is made up of more than 10,000 venues and employs many of the nation’s 1 million hospitality workers.
People can support their local by visiting loveofyourlocal.com.au and nominating their favourite venue, then buying a pint of CUB beer using their credit card or PayPal account, with the cash going to the venue directly. When people redeem their voucher, Carlton & United Breweries matches the purchase with a free pint, meaning people get 2-for-1 pints after their local re-opens.
Hotelier Dan Whitten at his pub, Robin Hood Hotel in Waverley, Sydney
The Robin Hood Hotel, Waverley, Sydney
The Robin Hood Hotel at Waverley owner Daniel Whitten said the recent announcement to extend trading to 50 patrons was a step in the right direction.
“But unfortunately for our venue, and I am sure most other city venues, the reduced capacity won’t enable us to generate sufficient sales to cover our fixed costs,” Mr Whitton said. “Under normal trading conditions, our maximum capacity is 300 patrons.
“Initiatives such as For the Love of Your Local are positive, however, we really need to get back to normal trading conditions as soon as it is safe to do so.”
A fleet of customised Carlton Draught trucks – dubbed the Dig Deep Rigs – is also hitting the road this week to help quench the financial thirst of some Sydney pubs, selling takeaway tap beer in glass bottles known as “Growlers” from pub carparks.
CUB is calling on those who love their local pub or club to visit loveofyourlocal.com.au to take part in the campaign.
To find out where the Dig Deep Rigs will be pouring Growlers, visit loveofyourlocal.com.au/ or follow the Carlton Draught or Victoria Bitter Instagram page.
PAYPAL BAR TIP
If you would like to support my work, you can leave a small ‘bar tip’ here of $2, or several small tips, just increase the amount as you like. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help me with my continuing costs.
A$2.00
Categories: Breweries, NSW hotels, Sydney hotels
What's Your Thoughts?