Global drinks giant Diageo has today announced its massive US$100 million ‘Raising the Bar’ support program for venues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diageo Australia has pledged $11.5 million to the Down Under instalment of Raising the Bar, through iconic Aussie brand Bundaberg Rum.
Beginning July, any licensed venue in Australia, regional or metro – regardless of whether they stock Bundaberg Rum or Diageo or not – can apply for support through the two-year programme supporting jobs, recovery, and innovation in Australian hospitality.
It will offer free access to digital training and practical support through Diageo Bar Academy, including best-practice topics such as implementing social distancing, enhancing hygiene measures and optimising business recovery, with content regularly updated to ensure it is relevant and cutting-edge.
The fund will also pay for physical equipment to re-open, including:
- ‘Hygiene kits’ (high-quality permanent sanitiser dispensers, medical-grade hand sanitiser, range of PPE),
- Contactless mobile device platforms (table booking, digital menus, cashless payment systems),
- Outdoor socialising support (mobile bars, heaters, coverings, furniture),
- Ventilation systems for indoor air cleaning,
- Temperature scanners and perspex screens, and more.
Diageo cites Australian pubs, clubs and bars contribute $17.2 billion to the economy (pre-coronavirus), employing over half a million people – accounting for eight per cent of the Australian workforce. Many are small businesses, and “like any Australian would do for a mate” Bundy wants to stand by their side.
“Our hospitality industry sits at the heart of our community and Australian culture,” says Angus McPherson, Diageo Australia managing director.
“The joy of being able to connect with friends and family down at the ‘local’ has been sorely missed throughout this pandemic, while the economic impact on the industry has been unprecedented.”
Both Government and industry have come out in support of the programme, the Hon. Michaelia Cash, Senator and Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, praising the sector for getting on with the job.
“Businesses and workers in the hospitality industry have shown great ingenuity by innovating and adapting as the devastating effects of COVID-19 have impacted us all.”
NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, recognises the sector as important in the new challenge of doing business in a post-COVID world.
“Hospitality is a key contributor to the NSW and national economy and it is important businesses continue to adopt innovative approaches such as these, which I have no doubt will provide not only short-term gains but long-term benefits.
“The NSW Government is doing everything we can to support all sectors of the economy to keep more people in jobs and businesses in business.”
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan also welcomes this announcement by Bundaberg Rum and Diageo, offering “Our hotels have been hit hard by this pandemic and the economic impact is going to be felt for a long time to come.
“Support like the ‘Raising the Bar’ initiative is exactly what we need to help our Australian hotels get back on their feet, employing people and contributing to the Australian economy.”
This announcement is part of Diageo’s broader commitment to invest US$100 million globally in recognition of the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality sector, closing bars across the globe. It continues recent efforts, seeing Bundy donate 100,000 litres of ethanol to produce hand sanitiser for front-line workers.
Venue operators can register their interest from today (24 June 2020) for Raising the Bar funding HERE, and choose to receive regular updates on best-practice training and resources and participate in global surveys to share insights.
