Liverpool bar manager appeals to customers to help save pub life through new Budweiser scheme

A Merseyside pub boss is appealing for customers to help save their favourite bars through a national scheme launched by Budweiser.

Neil Cooper, operations manager for Peaky Blinders Bar Group, says Save Pub Life could support managers and landlords through the difficult lockdown period and, crucially, mean they are able to re-open once restrictions are lifted.

He says: “A lot or bars and restaurants operate hand to mouth, week to week, and sadly a lot may not re-open when all this is over.

“Cash flow is a big issue for most of us and, while rents and other payments can be deferred, they don’t go away.

“Save Pub Life can help both the bars and the customers. It can help bars to survive and eventually re-open, and it can give customers offers and discounts – as well as the chance to keep their favourite bar or pub going for the future.”

The Save Pub Life scheme was launched by Budweiser Brewing Group on March 27 after the government closure of all pubs, restaurants and bars due to the coronavirus crisis.

Already there are 25 pubs and bars from Merseyside on the list of places you can buy vouchers for and that is growing by the day – and customers can add their own favourite pub too.

The scheme works by asking customers to buy vouchers from Save Pub Life, and Budweiser will double the amount, paying it to the bar or pub almost immediately. So, if a customer pays £20, Budweiser will pay the bar or pub £40.

The customer will be able to use the vouchers once the lockdown is over for their chosen drinks (or food) – and many bars are offering added incentives as a thank you for helping them through the difficult times.

Says Neil: “Peaky Blinders, Tribeca, Three Piggies, for instance, are all offering 20% off and you can use it off all drinks and food (not just Budweiser).

“I know Budweiser’s not a local company but the pubs using this scheme are, and can really benefit from the added funds to the cash flow.  Most staff have been furloughed so they will get 80% of their wages from the government but that will take time so it means we can help them now. And we can pay rents and other ongoing costs.

“It is a real life-line for us.”

And he adds: “I know that money is tight for everyone at the moment but I would just ask that, if anyone can afford to buy a voucher, it will really help and be greatly appreciated; and it will mean that once all this is over, there is a far greater chance of people’s favourite bars and pubs still being there.”

To buy a gift voucher to help your favourite pub go to savepublife.com