Carlton & United Breweries and the Australian Hotels Association have joined forces on an initiative aimed at helping generate immediate cashflow for venues, in order to help them survive the coronavirus lockdown.
By visiting the For the Love of Your Local website, Australians can nominate their participating local venue and buy a pint of Great Northern Super Crisp or Carlton Draught (depending on your state or territory) and the cash will immediately go to the venue.
Carlton & United Breweries then matches that purchase with a free pint, meaning people get 2 for 1 pints when their local re-opens, with CUB CEO Peter Filipovic describing the campaign as “a win-win for pubs and clubs and for beer lovers”.
He added: “Some venues are facing the prospect of never opening their doors again if they don’t get cash flow. It is an unprecedented challenge, not even during the world wars or the Depression did the pubs close.
“But we know Australians want pubs and clubs to keep their place at the heart of many local communities once this crisis is over. So if you love your local, or just want to help save the great Aussie tradition of going to the pub, buy a pint of beer in their hour of need.”
The COVID-19 lockdown has seen more than 10,000 venues close down, bringing Australia’s $20bn+ pub and club industry to a halt and seeing many of the more than one million hospitality employees lose their job.
Australian Hotels Association National Chief Executive Officer Stephen Ferguson said: “Our whole industry has been dealt a terrible blow. But this initiative is a lifeline that provides hope for thousands of hoteliers and their staff.
“For communities, it’s not just the loss of the local watering hole. Local pubs and clubs buy, hire and spend locally. Local charities depend on local pubs and clubs for sponsorship and fundraising. And there’s a whole supply chain from farmers to drivers who rely on a thriving hotel industry.
“I’d ask Australians to dig deep and support their local, and the whole industry, when it needs it most.
“And don’t just buy one. Buy another one for a mate or relative you want to invite down to your local when it reopens and catch-up about the last few months over a couple of cold pints.”
For the Love of Your Local is running across the country. People buy a pint using PayPal to ensure venues get the money quickly and, when doors re-open, they’ll be emailed a voucher to exchange for two pints. CUB has offered to donate up to $1 million worth of kegs to venues but this could increase if required.
Venues can also still sign up for the initiative by heading to https://loveofyourlocal.com.au.