Australia: Carlton and United Breweries giving away up to A$2 mln worth of beer to help pubs and clubs

One of Australia’s largest breweries is giving away up to A$2 million worth of beer in a bid to help pubs and clubs stave off closure, 7NEWS.com.au reported on May 28.

Carlton and United Breweries’ “For the Love of Your Local” campaign has already raised more than A$1 million for struggling venues.

It’s now doubling that target to A$2 million as restrictions continue to decimate the hospitality industry.

The brewery’s campaign asked punters to buy a beer from their local, with a free one set aside for them once restrictions lift, courtesy of CUB.

Doubling the goal to A$2 million is the equivalent of 200,000 pints or 100,000 litres of free beer.

CUB CEO Peter Filipovic said the ongoing easing of restrictions was welcome news, but there were still plenty of 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,” 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 New South Wales state government last Friday announced venues would soon be allowed to host up to 50 patrons, provided social distancing could be abided by.

The Robin Hood Hotel at Waverley hotelier Daniel Whitten said the announcement 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,” 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.”

People can support their local by visiting loveofyourlocal.com.au and nominating their favourite venue.

They then buy a pint of CUB beer, with the cash going to the venue directly.

When people redeem their voucher, CUB matches the purchase with a free pint, meaning people get 2-for-1 pints after their local re-opens.

Venues receive the much-needed cash and business now, with the aim of being able to stay open once the pandemic passes.

28 May, 2020