Most passports have sat, gathering dust, in a drawer this year. But the Reschs Appreciation Society (RAS) is about to help change that with the launch of the RAS Passport, which will give holders special deals at pubs and clubs and also give venues a much-needed boost.

With bushfires, floods and the Coronavirus pandemic impacting venues around Australia, the RAS has introduced the passport to encourage Australians, and fans of Reschs, to visit new towns in their home state and beyond.

The RAS Passport won’t be accepted overseas but it will be welcomed at 75 Australian venues. Each venue has its own unique stamp and special offer – from pizzas to burgers plus bottle-shop and accommodation discounts, and of course a variety of Reschs deals.

It is hoped the initiative will encourage people to visit regional venues and serve as inspiration for domestic tourism.

Reschs Appreciation Society founder Matt Henricks said the passport was a way to give back to the pubs and clubs that have supported Reschs for many years.

“We now have over 10,000 members. We’re passionate about our beer and the pubs that serve it and we thought this was a great way to support both. Pubs have done it tough in 2020, so we’re hoping to make next year a bit better for them,” Mr Henricks said.

“We don’t expect that many people will get to all 75 venues in a year, but if they do a coveted Order of Resch medallion will be awaiting them for presentation. We’ve even arranged for a descendent of Edmund Resch to knight any deserving recipients in a ceremony at the end of the year.”

“Most of the pubs are located around NSW, but we also have venues in Queensland and Victoria who have got behind this initiative.”

The Tathra Beach Country Club near Merimbula was hit by bushfires earlier this year, before COVID drained the town of tourists. Club Vice President Trevor Mace said support for regional pubs and clubs would ensure their ongoing survival.

“Everyone at our club is excited about this initiative. Our region was hit hard by the bushfires and COVID this year. It’s fantastic to see the Reschs Appreciation Society coming up with such an innovative idea to encourage people to support the regions. We want visiting society members to see the Tathra Beach Country Club as their VIP lounge on the sapphire coast and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our club”

The RAS is committed to philanthropy, having raised over $36,000 for various charities such as Movember, My Men’s Team, and the Rural Fire Service. Mr Henricks said these unprecedented times called for lateral thinking.

“If we can make a difference by doing what we love, drinking beer and having a yarn, then we’ll gladly report for duty,” he said

The RAS passport is available at https://www.reschsappreciationsociety.com.au/store/ along with a full list of participating venues.

The passport will cost $20 plus shipping.