Pubs warned beer taps could run dry during World Cup due to US-Iran war

Lewis Henderson
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:58:42 +0000

Pubs have been warned that beer taps could run dry during the World Cup due to the US-Iran war.

Brewers could run short of carbon dioxide (CO2), the gas used to carbonate drinks, if the conflict in Iran is not resolved.

Pubs could therefore be short of beer, with the World Cup kicking off in less than two months' time.

Managing director of Theakston, Richard Bradbury, said shortages have been a "concern" and called for the Government to support breweries.

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He told the Telegraph: "CO2 shortages are always of concern, both for brewers and pubs.

"So far, we have not experienced shortages nor are any expected in the short term, but we are concerned about implications for supply if the current Middle East situation continues.

"Knowing that it is likely to be prioritised behind animal welfare and healthcare, the brewing industry has tried to make itself more resilient where it can against CO2 supply issues over the last decade, but these types of investments can only really be afforded by the largest brewers."

Chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, Emma McClarkin, warned that breweries "would have an issue" if action is not taken.

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She said: "It was a big issue for us with the war in Ukraine... At this moment, we are fine, but are we keeping a close eye on it? 100 per cent."

Pubs were recently given the green light to remain open until 2am during World Cup fixtures involving England or Scotland.

The announcement was made by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ahead of the competition.

Ministers say it will boost trade for hospitality venues while bringing communities together for one of the world's biggest sporting occasions, covering 13 potential matches from the knockout stages.

Government officials revealed that the new arrangements will enable supporters to watch up to three additional games in their local venues without having to seek special permission.

The move marks the first time in 10 years that such extended licensing hours have been granted for home nation knockout matches.

Under the expanded trading rules, establishments will be able to serve customers for an additional two hours beyond normal closing times, with the specific extension depending on kick-off times.

Matches beginning between 5pm and 9pm will see last orders pushed back to 1am, while fixtures starting from 9pm onwards will allow pubs to remain open until 2am.

The extended hours apply to all knockout stages, should England or Scotland progress, encompassing the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

Similar licensing relaxations were previously introduced for the Women's Euro 2025 and the Men's Euro 2024 final.

Announcing the decision, Mahmood explained the impact it will have.

She said: "If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub. So we're giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.

"We won't have fans coming home before football does."