An Australian brewery is giving away up to A$2 million (NZ$2.13 million) worth of beer to help bars and clubs avoid closure during lockdown.
Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) initially aimed to raise A$1 million (NZ$1.07 million), but it's now doubling the target to help the hospitality industry more, 7 News reports.
Its 'For the Love of Your Local' campaign asks pub-goers to buy a voucher online that's the cost of one beer, and a free one would be set aside for them once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. The 'free' drink is paid for by CUB and the money goes directly to the venue.
CUB CEO Peter Filipovic says although restrictions are slowly being relaxed, the challenges for bars remain. Until restrictions are lifted further and venues can reopen, they will still have reduced numbers which will "significantly limit" trade, he says.
"New South Wales (NSW) 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," he told 7 News.
CUB's campaign allows customers to visit its website and nominate their favourite venue they want to buy a pint of beer from. Punters then buy a voucher to redeem and they receive a 2-for-1 pint of CUB beer once venues reopen.
The NSW government announced last week that up to 50 people could go to pubs, cafes and restaurants from June 1, as long as physical distancing could be followed.
CUB's had about 2000 pubs join their campaign so far, and Filipovic hopes more will sign up.
