Here’s how you can help your local pub and club through the coronavirus crisis

Cabbage Tree Hotel, Fairy Meadow. Picture: Google Street View

Carlton & United Breweries and the Australian Hotels Association have teamed up to help Illawarra pubs and clubs survive the coronavirus crisis.

For the Love of Your Local campaign is calling on drinkers to visit the ‘Love of Your Local’ website then nominate their participating local and buy a pint of beer. The cash goes to the venue immediately.

Carlton & United Breweries then matches that purchase with a free pint, meaning people get two pints for one, when their local re-opens.

Although your local pub may not be on the list at this stage, continue to check as more venues add their name to the growing number taking part in the promotion. Pubs and clubs can participate by visiting the Love of Your Local website.

Brad Young of the Cabbage Tree Hotel at Fairy Meadow said while closing is the right thing to do, it is tough.

“To get an injection of funds like this now will help us bounce back when the ban is lifted,” he said.

Mr Young said fortunately they were still able to operate in some capacity with takeaway food which helped them keep at least some of their staff employed for a while.

“Our hotel might be down right now, but if our customers rally, we’re not out!”

CEO Peter Filipovic said the campaign is a win-win for pubs and for beer lovers.

“Some venues are facing the prospect of never opening their doors again if they don’t get cash flow,” he said.

“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.”

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 one million dollars worth of kegs to venues but this could increase if required.

The crisis has left Australia’s $20 billion plus pub and club industry reeling. More than 10,000 venues, which employ many of the nation’s one million hospitality employees, have been forced to call last drinks for now.

Australian Hotels Association National Chief Executive Officer Stephen Ferguson said the 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 Wollongong locals 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.”

Any pub that has still not signed up, or for more information, visit the Love Your Local website.

Don’t see your local? Tell them to sign up, Carlton & United Breweries will regularly add new venues. Buying a voucher is a donation to your local at a time when they’re doing it tough. If your pub doesn’t reopen, you will not be able to claim any refund.

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