PUBS are facing a shortage of beers including Amstel and Birra Morretti as brewers struggle to keep up with demand after lockdown.
It comes as Brits rushed to their locals after pubs finally reopened for outdoor service on April 12 in England.
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More than 10million adults have so far enjoyed a visit to the pub since they reopened, with punters particularly keen to sip on a draught pint again.
However, Birra Moretti’s owner Heineken is now temporarily limiting pubs to order three kegs per week to cope with supply issues.
Landlords have warned the shortage is “affecting their ability to trade efficiently and turn a profit,” reports the Daily Mail.
Heineken UK said demand had “totally surpassed” its forecasts and that its its breweries are “working round the clock” to deal with the surge.
What rules are in place at the pub?
THE rules Brits need to stick to while at their local are more relaxed compared to when pubs were last open – but some restrictions will remain in place.
The 10pm curfew has been scrapped, and punters won’t have to buy a scotch egg or any other food to get served alcohol.
However, social distancing will remain in place at least until autumn, with measures set to be reconsidered in the summer when more people are vaccinated.
Boozers will have to stick to the “rule of six” limits or be in a party with no more than two households present, while abiding to two-metre distancing from others.
Pub-goers aged 16 and over have to check in to NHS Test and Trace or provide their contact details to staff.
Customers must also order, eat and drink while seated at a table and if they head to the toilet or elsewhere, then face masks must be worn, unless exempt.
This is expected to stay all summer as a compromise for the early reopening.
The shortage is said to be a particular issue for the 2,500 Star Pubs & Bars owned by Heineken, which is now offering them alternatives while increasing production of in-demand brands.
The shortage comes as the price of a pint has shot up to £7 as some pubs hike costs in a bid to claw back for lockdown losses.
Meanwhile, Star Pubs & Bars has reportedly told landlords to “hike prices by 40p per pint” because customers who pay by card “won’t notice”.
From today, April 26, pubs in Wales can welcome back customers outdoors, while those in Scotland can resume full outdoor service from today too.
Unlike England, the latter can also serve food indoors until 8pm as long as customers don’t order alcohol.
Meanwhile, the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is set to reopen on April 30.
A spokesperson for Heineken UK told The Sun: “Demand for Birra Moretti and Amstel has totally surpassed our most optimistic forecasts, and our breweries are working round the clock to deal with this high level of demand.
“We are working with our customers to offer alternative beers from the extensive Heineken UK range of brands as we increase production.”
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Pubs have been among the hardest hit businesses throughout the pandemic, being forced to close multiple times during lockdown.
Covid rules have left boozers missing out on some of the busiest times of year, including two Easter bank holiday weekends and Christmas.
Meanwhile, thousands of establishments currently remain shut due to lack of outside space and can only reopen on May 17, when customers will be allowed to sit indoors.
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