CHEERS TO TRUE BREW JAB REWARD

WHEN locked-down Australians get their first taste of freedom, the nation’s pubs and clubs want them to wash it down with a cold beer.

Beverage giant Lion is promising the double-vaxxed a free schooner at participating venues from October, and is calling all businesses to give staff an afternoon off to get “vaxxed to the pub,” and celebrate the end of lockdowns across the nation.

“We want to do our bit to encourage people to get vaccinated,” Lion managing director James Brindley said.

“We’re urging our fellow Aussies to roll up their sleeves and get doublejabbed so that we can start to bring much-needed business back to our struggling hospitality sector.”

The move follows a range of vaccination incentives across industry sectors.

Having a schooner at the pub was symbolic of all the things Australians have missed during lockdown, Mr Brindley said.

“Getting out and talking with mates is good for all of us. I think that beer will taste really good on so many levels,” he added.

While a free beer is unlikely to mobilise anti-vaxxers, the backing of trusted brands can add weight to the government’s health messaging, according to RMIT marketing lecturer, Amanda Spry.

“For people who are hesitant or complacent, sometimes a small incentive can be enough to activate them,” said Dr Spry.

Double-vaxxed punters can claim their free Furphy Refreshing Ale or Furphy Crisp Lager at participating Lion venues from October 1 (or when lockdowns lift) to December 31, via MyApp.