Scotco beer deliveries hit by computer glitch

ScotCo blames new system as pubs run dry due to delayed orders

Pubs across the country were left without beer after a computer problem delayed orders being distributed by Scottish Courage.

One licensee in Hampshire ran out of Stella Artois, real ale and cider, when his order that was due to be delivered on Monday did not turn up until Friday.

"On Monday we were told supplies were running late and asked if Tuesday would be OK, but they didn't come on Tuesday," said the licensee.

"On Wednesday when it still hadn't arrived, we couldn't get through to customer services but we managed to get hold of our area manager. She said we could buy out but by then it was too late. The delivery finally came on Friday."

By the time the delivery arrived, the pub had run out of beer - to the disappointment of its customers.

"We have got quite a few teams here and on Wednesday we had darts and dominoes playing at home - but nothing for them to drink," said the licensee.

The problems were blamed on new mainframe computer software Scottish Courage Contract Services had recently installed.

In a letter to licensees the company wrote: "The slow speed at which the new system has operated has led to delays in phoning you for your orders. In addition, poor visibility of the physical stock situation in depot has led to many orders being delivered incomplete and, in some cases, not being delivered at all.

"We apologise unreservedly for all customers that will have been affected by these events."

Nigel Pollard, PR manager for the on-trade at Scottish Courage, said the national upgrade for the computer system, which will eventually improve distribution, had been planned for many months.

"However, it is fair to say that we have experienced some unforeseen teething problems and a huge effort is now being made to sort them out," he admitted.

"The net effect of these short-term problems has seen a reduction in the usual high standard of customer service offered by the company to its on-trade customers."

Scottish Courage said because the computer system serves the whole country it was impossible to estimate how many pubs were affected by the delays.

Were you affected by ScotCo's ccomputer glitch? Was your delivery delayed? Did your pub run dry? Add your comments below and let us know.​