Despite not being able to earn her usual living as a waitress, Vinolia Mbolekwa, said: “The initiative helped keep us afloat and made us feel valued and appreciated, earning while we were learning at the same time.”
South Africa (2 June 2020) – Despite times being very tough for the hospitality industry, there has been some relief for the bar and restaurant community in recent weeks – due to Pernod Ricard South Africa’s #KeepTheSpirit initiative.
As a first step to support the hospitality industry, the leading provider of premium spirits brands such as Jameson, Absolut and Chivas Regal, launched the #KeepTheSpirit initiative at the beginning of April – committing R2 million to support bartenders and waitering staff over the extended lockdown period.
The initiative engaged 1000 bartenders and waitering staff through simple training videos. Participants received weekly payments of R500 by answering questions related to Pernod Ricard South Africa’s premium spirits brands.
Feedback has been enormously positive with bartenders and waitering staff sending in video messages in gratitude for the opportunity to earn some additional cash.
Waitress, Victoria Scott, took a student loan this year to finish her studies and the initiative has alleviated some of her financial pressure. Annika van Rooyen, also a waitress, has been able to help her parents, who are teachers. Bartender Thami Sithole captured the sentiments of many, saying #KeepTheSpirit helped him to cover his essential daily needs.
Many participants talked openly about the stress of these difficult times and were glad to have something to take their minds off their problems. They also learned new insights about Pernod Ricard brands that they intend sharing with customers when their bars and restaurants re-open.
Despite not being able to earn her usual living as a waitress, Vinolia Mbolekwa, said: “The initiative helped keep us afloat and made us feel valued and appreciated, earning while we were learning at the same time.”
As a next step, Pernod Ricard South Africa will continue to reach out to bartenders and waitering staff while they are unable to work by providing training materials to keep minds stimulated and increase product knowledge.
The final step will see sales incentives being introduced to help supplement wages once restaurants and bars are permitted, once more to trade.
“Our aim is to keep spirits up during this challenging period through this three-step approach. We are glad that we are able to support our trade partners right now and when they can open their doors again,” says Werner Vosloo, Sales Director at Pernod Ricard South Africa.
by 