Carlton & United Breweries has launched The Pub Reopening Ceremony, a pub crawl that will travel to pubs across the country to support them as they re-open.
The relay kicked off yesterday at the CUB Brewery in Abbotsford, where CEO Peter Filipovic was joined by Mick Molloy and AFL legends Nick Dal Santo and Campbell Brown to officially light the custom-made Tap Torch that will travel to pubs across the country throughout a three-week tour.
Following the lighting of the Tap Torch, Filipovic – dressed in an official beer-inspired tracksuit – officially passed the torch on for it to travel to the first stop of the relay at Melbourne institution The Espy.
From there, the torch will travel through Victoria before making its way to NSW, Queensland, WA and SA. The relay will also bring a free keg to every pub it visits.
The initiative is an extension of CUB’s For The Love of Your Local campaign, which aims to raise $2 million for pubs across the country to aid in the recovery of Australia’s pub industry.
CUB CEO Peter Filipovic said: “We’re thrilled that pubs are beginning to re-open across the country, and what better way to celebrate than with an official re-opening ceremony and a national pub crawl.
“We hope that this campaign helps shine a spotlight on the brilliant pubs across the country and encourages Australians to head back to their local and support the pubs that are at the heart of their communities.”
The Espy co-owner Matt Mullins added: “This has been a devastating period for the industry, but we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Initiatives like this are important in encouraging patrons to safely return to pubs and clubs as the industry gets back on its feet.”
The Espy party, hosted by Carlton Draught, will feature a performance by Mark Seymour (Hunters & Collectors) for Melburnians to enjoy on Saturday night in-person or via a Livestream.
People can find more details about The Pub Reopening Ceremony and support their local by visiting loveofyourlocal.com.au and nominating their favourite venue, then buying a pint of CUB beer using their credit card or PayPal account, with the funds going to the venue directly. CUB then matches that support with a free pint to the patron after the venue re-opens.
