Industry is gearing up for reopening, with a vaccination light at the end of the tunnel and public campaigns to ‘get back to the pub’.
Furthering the fervent discussions on pragmatic solutions that will allow the public to return to venues and public places, the AHA has created a TVC being shared on regular and social media to encourage eager pub-goers to roll up their sleeves.
“The Premier has set the 70 per cent benchmark for a range of freedoms – on current vaccination rates we’ll hopefully reach that in the next six weeks,” says AHA NSW CEO John Whelan.
“This social media campaign is to encourage our staff and patrons to get the jab as soon as they can. The government has been clear there will only be freedoms for those who have been double-vaccinated.
“We’ve all had enough of living like this. If you want to get down to the pub when we re-open, get vaccinated now. You’ll need two jabs and you don’t want to be left out when things finally open up.”
Separately, calling on the legend of the most famous of pub larrikins, Hawke’s Brewing has engaged its eponymous namesake to help push the message of vaccination.
A ten-metre tall mural of former PM Bob Hawke has been painted by neighbour and street artist Scottie Marsh on a wall of Hawke’s Brewing in Marrickville, pushing Aussies to get the jab so they can get “closer to the pub”.
The mural depicts Hawke wearing a mask, giving the thumbs up while he fills a schooner glass that represents the population vaccination rate. The glass will reportedly be topped up as more Australians get vaccinated, toward a full beer for the goal of 80 per cent.
Hawke, prime minister from 1983 to 1991, agreed to have his image and name associated with the brewery in 2017 on condition a percentage of profits go to his favourite charity, Landcare.
The brewers saw his effigy as well-suited to the national goal of vaccination and for helping the hospitality industry.
“The sooner we hit 80 per cent, the sooner vulnerable businesses (like your favourite pub!) can get back on their feet, and the sooner we can all get back to living with less lockdowns, more freedoms and yes, frosties straight from the tap,” says Hawke’s David Gibson.
The mural also features a QR code on the former PM’s arm, which can direct people to their nearest vaccination centre.
Hawke’s Brewing is also putting up $10k in cash as donation on behalf of followers to Tip Jar, for the Australian Hospitality Relief Fund.
When people engage with the post on the Hawke’s Brewing Instagram page they will donate $1 for every comment and $2 for every re-post.
Hawkie’s t-shirt in the mural is also available from the brewery’s merch store, and $5 from every tee will also be donated to Tip Jar.
“Tag a mate you’d love to have that first beer with … tag the venue where you’d most love to have that first beer.”
