Pub managers in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are taking steps to avoid being hit by the C02 shortage.
As has been widely reported, five European producers of the fizz-making gas are offline, which has left chain pubs running out of some beer brands.
But both The George in Tunbridge Wells and Fuggles Beer Caf�, which has a presence in both towns, have reassured customers they’re still serving.
Alex Greig, Proprietor of Fuggles, said: ‘It has not affected us yet, but from what we know it will affect things within the next week or so.
‘There are places who are on the last of what they have got. As for us, we have been asking and shopping around for gas and have got some.
‘We will be okay, but it has been a bit of a mission to secure it. We have a strong contingency plan in place.
‘I would like to think that something will happen and it will get sorted. It is just a case of phoning around lots and lots of people to get gas.’
He said it would be unlikely, however, that pubs would close as even in the event of a complete loss of C02, they could serve still alcoholic and soft drinks.
World Cup
The shortage has caused problems for Ei Group, Britain’s biggest pub chain, which has more than 4,000 properties, including the Wetherspoon titles.
Heineken beers have also been hit. And the timing could not be worse with the World Cup and sunny weather both brining in customers to pubs.
Meat and chicken supplies are also facing disruption with C02 used in many slaughterhouses.
When more of the gas does arrive, the priority will be making sure it arrives at hospitals.
Paul Fillis, Manager of The George on Mount Ephraim, said the independent pub will be affected less because they use independent suppliers.
‘We have been following updates from our supplier, and generally it seems to be affecting the larger produces, like Heineken,’ he told the Times.
‘The George deals with local and smaller producers so the shortage is not too much of a concern. You just have to roll with it.’
