Lockdowns left Alnwick Brewery Company in northeastern England with an oversupply of beer in March, but rather than dump it out, they decided to donate it for a good cause.
In exchange for a free cut of the 80 casks of ale, stout, and IPA the brewery had prepared for the Easter holiday, nearby residents are asked to just leave a donation to help healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus.
The socially distanced giveaway started at the brewery but has been moved to the company’s shop in Alnwick, a market town of about 8,000 people.
On Fridays, residents queue up with their own containers and contribute to a donation box placed outside the store. So far, people have donated nearly $600 to the National Health Service. Creative personal containers include milk cartons and empty soda bottles.
The brewery plans to continue giving away free beer until the casks are empty. This is a great solution to benefit health care workers, lift local spirits, and find a home for the beer that would have otherwise just spoiled on the shelves.