200,000 free beers: Brewery’s major giveaway

200,000 free beers: How to score yours. Source: Getty

One major Australian brewery is on a mission to save Aussie pub culture amid the coronavirus pandemic, and is giving away 200,000 free pints of beer to local pubs to do it.

Carlton & United Breweries’ ‘For The Love of Your Local’ campaign lets Australians find their participating local pub and pre-pay for a beer, and has been dubbed a “lifeline” for venues.

The cash goes directly to the venue, and when people redeem their beer voucher, the brewery will match the purchase with a free pint - meaning people get 2-for-1 pints at their local.

So far, they’ve raised over $1 million worth of kegs - and they’re doubling that target to $2 million in a bid to give venues much-needed cash, as well as over 100,000 litres – or 200,000 pints – of donated beer to pour for customers once they reopen.

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“The ongoing restrictions will continue to significantly limit trade and, for some venues, re-opening will have to wait until restrictions are further lifted,” CUB chief Peter Filipovic said.

“Australian 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.”

The initiative comes as Australia’s $20 billion pub and club industry has been decimated by the lockdown, with some 1 million hospitality employees out of work.

“With the bar and bistro being closed for nine weeks, our food and beverage revenue is down by about 90 per cent,” Drums Hotel operator Annie Hateley said.

“The support of the Government and key suppliers such as CUB has been really important to our financial viability.

“It’s been tough for the entire pub industry and it’s still a long road ahead for many operators. So, CUB raising $2 million for our industry is a real lifeline for many venues.”

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