Woky locals share love

Pubs around Australia have adopted a new initiative to stay afloat during the COVID-19 debacle.

The “For the Love of your Local” campaign encourages people to support their favourite establishments by buying a pint to have in the future.

The pint voucher can then be redeemed when the pub is reopened. Wokalup Tavern owner Megan Hardwick said she was delighted to be on board.

It is a great idea, Carlton United Breweries will also match all pint purchases and donate that amount to your local pub.

“When we are allowed to open again, you can come in with your mates and share a few stories over some pints.”

People can buy the virtual pint through an online portal and enter their pub to receive the voucher.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes were severely affected after the Government ordered all premises to close in attempt to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

The Wokalup Tavern was forced to adapt and started delivering meals in an attempt to keep people employed.

All pubs and bottleshops were then hit by a second-wave of laws when the Government announced a booze limit, which has since been lifted.

Ms Hardwick believed the ban also hurt local wine producers who were restricted in how many litres of wine they could sell.

Despite the coronavirus hurdles, Ms Hardwick said the new Wokalup brewery was still on schedule to be finished before Christmas.

Brugan will operate in conjunction with the Wokalup Tavern and already had its framework put up.

“At this stage, it is looking like it may still be finished this year,” she said.

Brugan received a $150,000 grant from the Regional Economic Development Fund earlier this year, to boost tourism.