Budweiser giving away free beer with proof of COVID vaccination

Budweiser is the latest brand to raise awareness for the COVID-19 vaccines by offering free beer to those who get vaccinated.

The Anheuser-Busch beer brand has brought back its popular Budweiser Clydesdales and a puppy for the commercial called “Reunited with Buds,” which posted to YouTube Thursday and is scheduled to run on national television April 26, the company told USA TODAY.

Set to the tune of Queen’s hit “Don’t Stop Me Now,” the ad “celebrates our favorite bars as they start to reopen and reminds people to safely return to them once they have been vaccinated,” the company said.

To help encourage more to get vaccinated, there’s also a contest with 10,000 free beers up for grabs.

Now through May 16, or while supplies last, U.S. residents 21 and older can enter the “Reunite with Buds” giveaway at ABeerOnBud.com with proof of vaccination.

However, there are a couple of caveats. Alabama, California and Texas residents are excluded from signing up, according to the fine print. Also, to enter for a chance to win a $5 virtual debit card that can be used to purchase one Budweiser beer, you need to be a new or existing My Cooler Rewards member.

Proof of vaccination can be shown in three ways: a photo of your “I Got Vaccinated” sticker; uploading a photo of your “band aid;” or uploading a selfie showing that you’ve been vaccinated at a vaccinated location.

Monica Rustgi, Budweiser vice president of marketing, said in a statement to USA TODAY, that the brand was “helping pave the path for friends to safely reunite at bars and restaurants in person” by raising awareness.

“As one of America’s biggest brands, we felt it was important to take a stand on this issue and encourage people to get a vaccine so we can all gather together again,” Rustgi said.

Samuel Adams also is giving free beer as part of its #ShotForSam vaccine incentive program.

Anheuser-Busch’s Busch Beer announced this week is looking to hire a dog for $20,000 to taste test its new canine-friendly brew.

Read more at usatoday.com