VB campaigns for vaccination uptake as pubs' re-opening touted for mid-October

Victoria Bitter will evoke the spirit of its famous anthem to encourage Australians to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The campaign launches today, calling on Aussies to come together and get back to working up a hard earned thirst.

“So if you’d like to get back to leading a band, or lending a hand, roll up your sleeves, and get the jab,” the new ad says. “Matter of fact, I got mine now.”

The classic 53-year-old VB anthem is one of Australia’s most iconic and loved advertising songs, celebrating knock-off from a day of hard work with a refreshing cold beer.

The new ad has the iconic images and music but with new words: “Right now you can’t get it goalin’, you can’t get it bowlin’. You can’t get it takin’ a vow, or chasin’ a cow.

“A hard earned thirst comes from being all over town. Not from being in lockdown.”

VB’s Head of Marketing Brian Phan said the campaign encouraged Australians to get vaccinated so people across the country can return to work and re-unite with family and friends.

“This will support hospitality and business more broadly by encouraging Aussies to get the jab so we can re-open all of Australia’s pubs, clubs, construction sites, offices, shops and everywhere else you earn a hard earned thirst.

“VB has been celebrating ‘taking a vow’, ‘chasing a cow’ and ‘leading a band’ for more than half a century. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has taken nearly all of these activities away from us. And let’s be honest, you can’t really earn one sitting on the couch or doing a puzzle. It’s a serious issue, but our Aussie sense of humour is still important during a pandemic,” he saud.

Robert Iervasi, Group CEO of Asahi Beverages said: “Re-opening businesses and reuniting with loved ones is critical for the wellbeing of all Australians. We hope we can play a small role in this unprecedented national effort to roll up our sleeves together and ensure Australia’s long-term recovery.”

On-premise

Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Chief Executive Stephen Ferguson threw his support behind the new campaign, saying: “We have all missed the social things in life like gathering with mates at the pub for a beer.  The sooner we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can get all get back to living.”

Clubs Australia CEO Josh Landis added: “Your local club can’t wait to swing open the doors and start serving fully vaccinated patrons. It is so important for us all to get the jab so that we can enjoy an ice-cold VB at our favourite venues once again.”

The launch of VB's campaign coincides with the NSW Government's announcement on Thursday that pubs are likely to re-open their doors by mid-October, estimated to be the date when 70 per cent of the eligible population will have received their double vaccination.

The AHA NSW is urging hotel patrons to vaccinate now if they want to enjoy a drink at their favourite local upon re-opening.

“This is great news for pubs, our staff and our patrons,” said AHA NSW CEO John Whelan today.

“We’ve all had enough of existing like this. Let’s get vaccinated and get our lives back. We can’t wait to get back to work and to open in a safe, fully vaccinated environment – and we want you to be ready to join us for a meal with family and friends or a drink with mates – all those things we have been missing.

“Today’s message is simple - if you want to get back to the pub as soon as possible, get vaccinated now.  You’ll need two shots to be allowed entry and you don’t want to be the one left out when we open up.”

Parts of regional NSW will exit lockdown this weekend.