Breweries across the UK have seen sales plummet after the COVID-19 lockdown measures were implemented, meaning bars and pubs were forced to close on March 20.

Breweries have reported a rise in online sales since the announcement of the restrictions however many breweries expect large amounts of stock to go to waste and have voiced concerns about the survival of their businesses.

Michael Gladwin, operations director at the Black Isle Brewery, said: “It’s been massive - we are 95% shutdown, we’re having to rely on online sales of stock we have already produced.

“Probably 95% of our income has disappeared. There are no draught sales whatsoever - all that stock goes to waste.”

The Black Isle Brewery runs several bars across Scotland, which Mr Gladwin said had benefited from the rates relief brought in by the UK government.

He also praised the implementation of the worker retention scheme to protect jobs during this unprecedented time, The Insider reports.

Mr Gladwin added: “Up until the point we were told to close our doors - quite rightly - we did have some working capital.

“We can probably make it through the three months and after that we are looking at loans. I understand it has been very very difficult for smaller brewers. It’s pretty disastrous for us and pub chains alike.”

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