According to a spokesperson for the firm, supply problems with Carling and Coors were a knock-on effect of industrial action by delivery drivers.
Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon added:
“We are experiencing some supply problems with both Carling and Coors, which means that some pubs do not have the products available. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. We know that the brewers are trying to resolve the issue.”
Besides Carling and Coors, there have also been issues with supplying Heineken to some Wetherspoons pubs. Carling is of course brewed in the UK, while the Coors on the sale in the UK is also brewed there. In addition, 90% of Heineken beer on sale in the UK is brewed in the country.
There have not yet been reports of Wetherspoons running short on beer brewed outwith the UK.
Supply chain issues have been blamed by the #Wetherspoons pub chain for some of its bars running out of beer brands including Heineken and Carling. Manufacturers say they have been hit by a shortage of HGV drivers. pic.twitter.com/bDA6PakqSU
— Nick Dixon (@NickDixonITV) September 2, 2021
Wetherspoons now says the majority of its pubs are fully stocked, but admits that “some pubs may be short of a few brands, pending deliveries in the next few days.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Molson Coors has said the supply issues are a result of the UK’s HGV driver shortage:
“Like many in our great British brewing and pub sector we have been hit by the HGV driver shortage. While overall our availability is good, there are intermittent pockets of pressure in our supply network that are unfortunately affecting a number of Wetherspoons pubs. We’re working around the clock with our customers and third-party logistics partners to ensure we minimise any impact to our customers. After such a difficult period for our industry, it’s heart-breaking to be letting any customer down and we will continue to do everything in our power to get our much-loved brands back on every Wetherspoons bar.”
© Copyright Oast House Archive and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence