Millions of pints of beer in the UK could go to waste if pubs remain closed

Around 50 million pints of beer could go to waste if pubs remain closed into the summer because of lockdown.

Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), estimates the UK’s 39,000 pubs have, on average, 15 barrels in their cellar at any given time.

Kegs usually contain either 11 or 9 gallons each, and the best before dates on pasteurised beer – including most lagers – is usually three to four months after delivery, while real ales and other unpasteurised beer can last 6-9 months.

“It’s a very sad waste of all the work and talent that goes into producing great beer,” Stainer told the BBC. “People won’t get to drink it and all those resources have been used up for nothing.”

Alcohol sales in supermarkets rose by 22% last month, after pubs, restaurants and bars were closed on 20 March.

Read more via BBC