New Jersey breweries will offer free beer to people who get vaccinated

More than a dozen breweries in New Jersey are going to be offering free beers to the newly vaccinated as part of a program announced on Monday.

Gov. Phil Murphy rolled out the Shot and a Beer program during a news conference from Trenton.

The catch is that the person has to have their first dose of the vaccine in the month of May. People who were vaccinated before May will not be eligible for the free beer.

Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app!

Battle River Brewing in Toms River, Bradley Beer Project in Bradley Beach, Bolero Snort Brewing Company in Carlstadt, Brix City Brewing Company in Little Ferry, Carton Brewing Company in Atlantic Highlands, Flounder Brewing Company in Hillsborough, Flying Fish Brewing Company in Somerdale, Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant in South Orange, Hackensack Brewing Company in Hackensack, Kane Brewing Company in Ocean Township, Little Dog Brewing Company in Neptune, Magnify Brewing Company in Fairfield, and River Horse Brewing Company in Ewing are participating in the program.

"I think it's something that can help," Hackensack Brewing Company founder Mike Jones said. "I'm confident they won't leave after that [first] beer."

He said he is happy to have people come to his establishment in Bergen County to show they've been vaccinated.

The governor said the breweries are paying for the beers, not tax dollars.

The Shot and a Beer program is part of a wider state government initiative to encourage people to return to a more normal summer in the state. 

More breweries could be added to the list at a later date.

Sign up for FOX 5 email newsletters