The go-ahead to let liquor-licensed businesses offer one alcoholic beverage at no cost to customers who provide their proof of vaccination is proving to be as popular as a warm beer in Jefferson County.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board recently announced the rule change to encourage vaccinations for COVID-19.

The “shot for a shot” approval includes conditions, such as:

A patron must provide proof that they were vaccinated between May 15 and June 30;

The number of drinks provided is one per vaccinated customer;

Businesses may choose a window of time between the vaccination date and when the drink can be redeemed;

The establishment may provide the drink, or a non-industry sponsor may pay for the drink;

The drink and taxes are paid for by the licensee or sponsor; and

Any advertisements or information provided by licensees regarding the drink may not contain the words “free” or “complimentary.”

The optional drink deal became effective Saturday, May 15 and continues through Wednesday, June 30.

The idea appears to be fizzling like a failing champagne cork in Jefferson County, however.

The majority decision among local bars and restaurants seems to be a resounding “no.”

Roughly a half-dozen bars and pubs contacted by The Leader last week expressed little to no interest in giving away complimentary drinks to the vaccinated.

The service industry was hit harder than any other during the pandemic, employees at bars and restaurants said, with their businesses experiencing one of their worst years in 2020.

With life only beginning to bounce back, some of the businesses contacted said they can’t afford to give away merchandise, especially in a county with the highest vaccination numbers in the state.