Microsoft crash: worldwide tech issues hit pubs and bars
Retailers and card issuers have stated they have faced issues, as well as pub chains such as JD Wetherspoon (JDW). Many operators have shared social media posts encouraging customers to carry cash and expect technical glitches throughout the day as issues may continue.
Issues at Microsoft have led to computer systems glitching across the world, leaving major sectors in disarray. Many businesses rely on the company to manage systems and process payments.
The crash has affected equipment utilised throughout the hospitality industry including tills.
Sky News also went off air this morning (Friday 19 July) as several major airlines grounded flights and trainlines also experienced difficulties. The technical fault has caused Windows computers to suddenly shut down.
Root of the issue
Cybersecurity software firm, Crowdstrike works to protect data from viruses and malicious attacks and has stated it has identified the issues behind the outage.
JDW experienced issues as both the app and card machines reportedly crashed, leaving customers unable to order without cash payments.
Spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: “Our card reader and Wetherspoon app are now working as normal, however it was just cash for around an hour.”
The Windsor Arms in Barnstaple, Devon also issued a post on social media urging people to carry cash in place of cards in case any problems were faced.
Owner and operator Lisa Horforth said: “Luckily my card machine is working, but on hearing about the issues I went to social media and put out a post advising my customers to bring cash.”
She continued: “Cash is king and we need to keep it alive. With what has just happened, I think this has proven a big point.”
Operators respond
Founder and owner of Barr and Barr hospitality group, Rob Barr added: “It is incredibly frustrating for us all especially as the weather is now brilliant!
“Although a minor impact for us, other venues have had an awful time with little to no support. A major challenge when we are moving more towards a cashless society…
“Personally to combat this, our plan B has always been to be fully accepting of cash, second is having a way of invoicing or providing details for guests to pay either via bank transfer or a link can be emailed for payment once systems are up and running.”
Barr described the outage as “overall incredibly frustrating” stating “more support should be given to sites with what ideas plan B could or should be.”
A number of operators also urged customers to bring cash on social media.
With the increasingly problematic computer problems today, we would encourage you to bring cash to the Hop and Vine> if systems or card machines do go down we can keep serving beer and taking cash!!
— Hop and Vine, Hull (@tonyatthehop) July 19, 2024
Crowdstrike President and CEO George Kurtz posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “The issue is not a security incident or cyber-attack, the issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed.”
He continued: “We further recommend organisations ensure they’re communicating with Crowdstrike representatives through official channels”
Have you been affected by the global outage? If so, contact felicity.giles@wrbm.com
