Phil Murphy: Get vaccinated and have a free beer

In a new effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday that those residents who receive their first dose in May can get a free beer.

The “Shot and a Beer” program is only available to state residents ages 21 years and older and includes the participation of thirteen New Jersey-based breweries. The participants have to show their vaccine cards as proof before receiving their free beer, the Democratic governor said.

As reported by cnbc.com, the breweries themselves are footing the bill for the free drinks, said Murphy, who suggested more beer-makers could soon be added to the list.

The breweries currently participating are: Battle River Brewing, Bradley Beer Project, Bolero Snort Brewing Company, Brix City Brewing Company, Carton Brewing Company, Flounder Brewing Company, Flying Fish Brewing Company, Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant, Hackensack Brewing Company, Kane Brewing Company, Little Dog Brewing Company, Magnify Brewing Company and River Horse Brewing Company.

“We’re not going to be afraid to try new things,” Murphy said as he unveiled the free beer program, dubbed “Shot and a Beer,” at a press briefing.

The free beer program came from the New Jersey Department of Health in partnership with the Brewer’s Guild of New Jersey.

You can read: Phil Murphy announced increased indoor capacity limits

The “Shot and a Beer” campaign is part of New Jersey’s broader slate of programs aimed at returning the state to a more normal summer as the fight against the pandemic keeps on.

Murphy announced the free-beer plan after detailing the “Grateful for the Shot” initiative, which makes it possible for congregants to go from religious services directly to vaccination sites.

It’s “perhaps at the other end of the spectrum” of incentives, Murphy said.

Other initiatives

New Jersey is not the first to propose an outside-the-box incentive for people to get vaccinated. West Virginia’s Republican Gov. Jim Justice last week announced an initiative to give $100 savings bonds to younger state residents who get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Connecticut is offering its own alcoholic incentive with its “Drinks On Us” campaign: Residents who get fully vaccinated and show their vaccine cards at certain restaurants will score a free drink between May 19 and May 31.