Earlier this month, The Morning Advertiser (The MA) broke the story of Guinness supply challenges.
Since then, supply woes have gathered pace, with pubs reporting unavailability and warnings of rations, while some wholesalers advised pubs to over-order ahead of Christmas to avoid disappointment.
In a bid to manage stock levels of the ‘black gold’, the Old Ivy House in Clerkenwell has introduced Guinness ‘ration cards’.
The pub, which normally goes through around eight kegs of Guinness a week, was sent just three kegs on Thursday 12 December.
Co-owner of the Old Ivy House Del Currie told The MA: “Our Guinness is distributed to us through Shepherd Neame and we were notified [of shortages] and that they were rationing it down for pubs last week.
A bit of fun
“Our pub is all about making lemonade out of lemons. So instead of freaking out and saying, ‘there’s going to be no Guinness for Christmas’, we thought we’d have a bit of fun with it.”
Customers were requested to ask for a ‘ration card’, which has to be signed by a member of staff after the purchase of two other drinks before buying a pint of Guinness.
The number of pints guests can purchase has not been limited, but it has to be every third drink.
“We started doing it last night (Thursday 12 December) and it ended up being quite fun, people really enjoyed it”, Currie said.
While Currie stated he did not think Guinness shortages would impact trade over the festive period, he shared footfall in January and February could be hit if the shortages continue into the New Year.
“Because it’s the Christmas period, I think we’re ok. It’s the party season, those parties and gatherings are going to happen regardless because its Christmas, people will go to their second favourite drink.
Different ball game
“If this had happened in January or February, and there’s always a chance it’ll keep rolling on into those months, then it could be a different ball game.
“People will start hunting for the pubs that have inventory or just not go out because they can’t get their beloved Guinness”, the operator added.
Currie explained the pub would continue with the ‘ration cards’ “while stocks last”.
He said: “Last night was a very busy night at the pub so we’re really low now, we’re down to about two kegs, so tonight (Friday 13 December) is going to be all about the ration cards. I’d say we’ll probably run out by 10:00pm.”
