Two of the largest drinks suppliers in the country, Lion and Diageo, are helping licensed venues through education and support as customers head out again post-pandemic.
Starting this week Lion has been rolling out around 1,000 venue ‘safety kits’ to pubs and clubs in NSW, helping ensure people know how to be “COVID-safe” getting back to socialising in venues.
Provided by Tooheys New, the kits include: bathroom signage, contactless payment advice, floor stickers promoting physical distancing, and sneeze guards for ordering.
Lion has issued safety messaging throughout the pandemic, with this next phase targeting staff, customers and patrons.
“It has been great to work with venues across NSW to develop this health and safety initiative,” says Lion managing director James Brindley.
“Pubs and clubs are the lifeblood of regional NSW communities, and we want to see them thrive after what has been a truly devastating period. Tooheys is synonymous with NSW, and we believe we have a really important role to play – not just in supplying fresh tap beer as venues re-open, but in reminding people how to keep themselves and venue staff safe.”
The initiative was launched at a ceremony in Bathurst’s Knickerbocker Hotel, led by special guests NSW Deputy Premier the Hon. John Barilaro MP, and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads the Hon. Paul Toole MP, who are promoting getting people back into venues “in the regions”.
“These kits are designed to help pubs and clubs inform and remind their customers of what they need to do to keep COVID safe when socialising,” said Barilaro.
“The NSW regions have been heavily impacted by drought, bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic and it is critical that we help rebuild these communities by visiting and holidaying in our own beautiful backyard.
“There are countless pubs and clubs right across NSW filled with both characters and character. They employ locals, support a diverse supply chain and are proud hosts for tourists, so I’d encourage everyone to get out and about and support your own as well as someone else’s local!”
This week has also seen the release of Diageo’s ‘Welcome Back’ support package for on-premise, offering stock and services valued at $1.2 million.
Diageo is one of the world’s largest drinks producers. The campaign includes the offering of thousands of free spirits serves to venues, which are incentivised to feature a $10 cocktail or premium Highball with one of Diageo’s spirit brands*, making them eligible for bonus stock.
Diageo has also partnered with booking platform TheFork to offer venues the system for free until the end of 2020. The platform provides an easy-to-use reservation management system, allowing venues to adhere to current social distancing rules.
The booking system will be further supported by marketing and PR from Diageo and TheFork, educating engaged customers, to drive widespread awareness for re-openings.
“This multifaceted support package includes trade deals, bonus stock, free access to a bar booking platform, and PR and marketing amplification for venues that will equate to Diageo shouting them 130,000 standard drinks,” explains Diageo Australia commercial director Chris Shaw.
“This means a $1.2 million boost into our participating on-premise partners, offering much-needed support as they start to get back on their feet and welcome the return of patrons.”
The ‘Welcome Back’ support began 11 June and will be available to 1,000 hospitality businesses nationwide.
*Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Bundaberg Small Batch Rum, Talisker 10 Year Old or Bulleit Bourbon
