In response to the COVID-19 situation and the enforced closure of pubs in Australia, Lion has announced that it will be taking back unused kegs at no cost or charge and offer customers a credit.
In a statement from Lion’s manging director James Brindley, the company has stated that the kegs must be full and capped for safety reasons.
“It may take some time for us to come to your venue to collect these kegs, so we ask for your patience as we contact all impacted customers over the coming days and weeks to make the necessary arrangements,” Brindley adds.
Lion, will also continue to brew, with breweries operating “under the strictest health and safety regimes”.
“We are committed to continuity of supply,” adds Brindley. “As we have already indicated, you cannot turn off and then quickly turn back on our major breweries. The UK, EU and US have kept retail and takeaway liquor operating, and the supply chains behind them.
“We will be working closely with our retail customers as the situation evolves to ensure the hundreds of thousands of beer-drinkers around Australia are informed as to their responsibilities when it comes to social distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“We acknowledge this is an extremely distressing time for everyone involved in the hospitality industry. At Lion, we are doing everything we can to work quickly and provide our valued on-premise customers with the support they need right now.”