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PHOTO: Pixabay
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The UK could face a lack of alcohol this Christmas if the government does not make more efforts to address the shortage of truck drivers, the Wine and Spirits Association (WSTA) has warned.
The prospect of a limited amount of alcoholic beverages follows the panicky purchase of fuels, rising heating prices and shortages of various goods – from consumer electronics to chips and vegan pies, reports BTA.
The industry association announced that 49 companies, including Moet Hennessy, Laurent Perrier, Pernod Ricard, C&C Group and Matthew Clark, have met. signed a letter to Transport Minister Grant Shaps urging him to take urgent action on driver shortages and freight irregularities.
“There are growing concerns among our members that unless urgent action is taken, we will be plunged into a very deep supply chaos,” said Trade Association CEO Miles Biel.
“We are already witnessing long delays in the supply of wine and spirits, which is raising prices and limiting the product range available to British consumers,” he added.
According to the industry organization, transportation costs have risen by 7 percent as delivery companies have to increase drivers’ salaries to keep them.
The members of the association want Shaps to extend the temporary visa scheme for drivers – from February 28, 2022 to a minimum of one year to ease the burden on the industry and allow the number of local drivers to increase significantly.
The British government has said it does not expect any disruptions in alcohol supplies for Christmas.
The two largest British supermarket chains, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, are currently making major wine promotions, a sign that there is no immediate threat to wine supplies, Reuters notes.
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