Cheers to the Prince Alfred, says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has supported the Prince Alfred in Port Melbourne for offering free beers to customers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The pub had been ordered to stop handing out free beer to customers who have been vaccinated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) earlier this week.

However, the Prime Minister suggested that the move was “a bit heavy handed” and that Minister for Health, Greg Hunt had contacted the TGA on Thursday evening.

The TGA’s website says businesses cannot offer alcohol, tobacco or medicines as incentives to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

The Prime Minister agreed that it is a sensible rule that drug, tobacco and alcohol businesses cannot incentivise people.

“It is a sensible rule, but in these circumstances, the national interest is to get vaccinated. So, the Prince Alfred down in Melbourne, good on you for getting behind it. We’ll get it sorted, common sense will prevail. Cheers to the PA.”

Publican Mr Tom Streater had the idea to hand out a free pint, wine or rum and Coke after watching pub regulars queue for their vaccinations at a nearby pop-up clinic at Port Melbourne Town Hall.