PUBS in Scotland facing a Guinness shortage fear the taps will still be dry ahead of the Six Nations.
Some boozers in Edinburgh have been without the Irish stout for a fortnight amid huge demand.
And there is concern ahead of Scotland’s first game against Italy at Murrayfield on February 1.
Declan Fleming, manager of the Royal Tavern in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, was without Guinness at Hogmanay.
And although stocks were later replenished the boozer ran dry of the tipple again on Friday.
He said: “It’s always a worry. Guinness is our highest seller.
“Fingers crossed we’ll get some next week.
“It’s one of those things where we know we are going to run out.”
Guinness has become fashionable among celebrities and Gen Z – who are often seen trying to ‘split the G’.
The craze has been helped on by influencers like Kim Kardashian, who made headlines after enjoying a pint of Guinness and a shot of baby Guinness in a pub in London in March 2023.
Before Christmas thieves nabbed 400 kegs of the drink from a depot in Northamptonshire.
Mr Fleming added: “A lot of people say it’s because people are splitting the G. And obviously 400 kegs were stolen.”
A sign saying “Aff!” is attached to a Guinness pump at the Waverley Bar just off the Capital’s Royal Mile.
Assistant manager Sam Taylor said: “It’s a sign so people know not to ask. We ran out a couple of weeks ago. We’ve tried to order some and none’s arrived. We have been told it’s going to be a month or so before there is going to be a steady supply. Everyone is fine about it – they have heard about the shortage.
“More recently, especially among the younger crowd, it has become more popular.
“We will have the Six Nations on. I expect we will have it back by that point – but who knows.”
One punter took to X – formerly known as Twitter– on December 28 to reveal the Bailie in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge is out.
They said: “To my absolute horror, my local ran out of Guinness yesterday. In a voice quivering with emotion I asked; ‘when is it back in?’ Reply; ‘mid January’. Response…Faints.”
Drinks firm Diageo said “demand remains at unprecedented levels” but vowed a “return to normal for the Six Nations”.
