'Shame on you': Hamilton bar offering deal on Corona beers 'while pandemic lasts'

House on Hood's promotion has had mixed reviews, with some Kiwis quite upset at the coronavirus post. Photo / Facebook, House on Hood

A Hamilton bar's Corona promotion has sparked controversy on social media as it makes light of the coronavirus, which has killed over 100 people.

On the House on Hood Facebook page, the bar has a promotion for $6.50 Coronas and a free one-metre pizza on Friday, as long as the coronavirus "pandemic lasts".

"Virus or no virus, we still think Coronas are pretty great, so while the pandemic lasts, we're selling Coronas for just $6.50, all day, every day!!

The post includes a photo of two men wearing boiler suits and gas masks while holding up Coronas. Photo / House on Hood Facebook

"Mention your corona loving mates to let them know about this great deal and you could be sharing a free one-metre pizza this Friday at House," the Facebook post reads.

It also includes a photo of two men wearing boiler suits and gas masks while holding up Coronas.

The promotion has had mixed reviews by Kiwis, with some quite upset at the post.

"Shame on you guys for this post House on Hood. The world is literally suffering and we've been blessed enough that we are still safe here. It's not funny at all," one person wrote.

Another agreed: "How on earth do you think this is OK?! You wouldn't run a '$6.50 on all Aussie beers for the entire bushfire season' so why is this okay?!"

While another wrote: "That's disgusting. I'm so embarrassed right now."

John Lawrenson, CEO of the Lawrenson Group, which owns the House on Hood, told the Herald in a statement:

"The great thing about living in today's society is that there is a small but loud minority of people who get offended by everything and I can always rely on them to get triggered.

"So I'd just like to say thanks to all the snowflakes for the free advertising and thanks to everyone else with a sense of humour who liked the post."

Other people shared their appreciation of the promotion, labelling it the "best marketing ever".

"House on Hood always providing top-class memes with the cheapest deals," one person said.

Another wrote: "I've literally been waiting for one of your posts."

While another said: "I love these [posts] so much. Bring [on] the comments."