At the end of April, the Northern Territory Government announced it was working towards a restricted re-opening of venues on 15 May, with full trading to resume in June if there is no adverse COVID-19 response.
Following the announcement Lion set plans in motion to send a keg convoy carrying 75,000 litres of draught XXXX Gold to the Territory. Although restrictions will still be in place in terms of how long patrons can stay in a venue and that they will only be able to consume alcohol with food, Lion’s Managing Director James Brindley said the brewer wanted to be sure there was cold and fresh beer available to Territorians.
“The first time you’re back at your local might be different to what you’re used to. You’ll have to sit, eat a meal, and stay for only a set period of time. This is all about keeping everyone safe,” Brindley said.
“But the one thing that we guarantee to be exactly the same is the taste of fresh XXXX GOLD on tap. It simply cannot be beaten.
“March 23 was the most gut-wrenching day our industry has ever seen.
“We did our bit to minimise the financial burden, announcing within hours that we would credit $25 million for unused kegs left stranded at pubs and clubs.
“Since then we’ve had a team of technicians cleaning more than 15,000 beer taps, so they are in perfect working order for when they’re needed.
“We want to do all we can to support NT local pubs and clubs on the road to re-opening.”
The NT is the first state or territory to clarify its roadmap to re-opening and although the Prime Minister laid out the Federal Government’s plans last week, the precise timetable will be set by each state or territory government.