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 venues 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 Australian 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 Victorian 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 re-open will have reduced numbers.

“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.

“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.”

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.

A fleet of customised Carlton Draught and VB trucks – dubbed the Dig Deep Rigs – is also hitting the road this week to help quench the financial thirst of some Victorian and Sydney pubs, selling takeaway tap beer in glass bottles known as “Growlers” from pub carparks.

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.

Victorian hotelier Annie Hateley, operator of Drums Hotel, said the coronavirus restrictions had reduced their operations to the off-premise bottle shop and take-away menu.

“With the bar and bistro being closed for nine weeks, our food and beverage revenue is down by about 90 per cent. The support of Government and key suppliers such as CUB has been really important to our financial viability,” Ms Hateley said.

“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.

“Pubs are the heart of many Australian communities. Patrons are supporting them through For Love of Your Local which speaks volumes for the appreciation patrons have for their local hotel.”

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 Carlton Draught and VB Dig Deep Rigs will be pouring Growlers, visit loveofyourlocal.com.au

Media contact: Reid Sexton reid.sexton@cub.com.au