UK Pubs Warn Guinness Shortages Could Cripple Business

Landlords across the UK are raising concerns about supply shortages of Guinness, warning that allocation limits imposed by Diageo, the brand’s owner, could severely impact their businesses during the busy holiday season, Grace Dean reported the story for BBC News.

Diageo acknowledged the supply challenges, citing “exceptional consumer demand for Guinness in Great Britain.” I Photo: Guinness Facebook

Steven Crosbie, landlord of The Liffey, an Irish pub in Liverpool, says Guinness is his best-selling product. Normally, he receives 12 50-litre barrels weekly from his distributor, but this week, he was limited to just one. "If I can't get it in, it will probably cripple me," he said.

Diageo acknowledged the supply challenges, citing “exceptional consumer demand for Guinness in Great Britain.”

The company stated it is maximizing supply and working with distributors to manage stock efficiently.

Enda Murray, who runs three pubs in London, echoed these concerns. His supplier has reduced Guinness allocations to one or two kegs per pub, far short of the 10 kegs typically required.

He has secured additional supply from another distributor but says it will only last for a week or two.