London 2012 Olympics: Games set to cause 'major disruption' for pub deliveries

Related tags Olympic games Summer olympic games London

Deliveries during the Olympics are going to be a “complete disruption” for pub delivery teams — that’s the view of Mike Bracey, chairman of the Brewery Logistics Group.

Bracey, whose members are major brewers representing 90% of distribution in London, said he has been working on plans for beer deliveries during the Olympics for two-and-a-half years.

He said: “Our members will see a 20% to 40% drop in deliveries during the day. We’ve had a lot of problems in getting licensees to talk to us. The customers are not talking to the distributors.

“But lots of licensees are asking for night-time deliveries even though they are nowhere near the Olympic Route Network (ORN) — I think, because they’ve been talking to each other about the possible chaos.

“I think it’s going to be complete disruption. I am being pessimistic, but with some of the routes the proof is going to be in the pudding. There are so many unknowns.”

Bracey also complained about plans being changed at the last minute about which roads will or won’t be open, and the lack of lanes on the motorway to and from Weymouth, where the Olympic sailing takes place.

Ed Turner, operations director at Young & Co’s Brewery, added: “There’s bound to be disruption but we’re not sure how much. People are going to travel at different times, and we’ll have to make sure our staff can get to the pubs.”

However, he said the firm is looking at the Olympics in a “positive” light.

A British Beer and Pub Association spokesman said: “A lot of work has been undertaken between all parts of the supply chain, the local authorities, and Transport for London, to ensure that the night-time delivery networks are up-and-running on the Olympic routes affected. It is worth remembering this is only likely to affect a minority of London pubs on or close to the routes themselves.”

Transport for London’s managing director for surface transport Leon Daniels responded to the concerns, claiming: “We now have thousands of athletes, media and officials in London, and the Torch Relay is also continuing its journey around the boroughs. As a consequence, London’s roads are exceptionally busy.

“Our advice to motorists is to avoid driving into central London, on and around the ORN and Games venues. Consider whether your journey by road is absolutely essential. If it is, allow extra time and plan ahead at www.getaheadofthegames.com.”

Related topics Sport

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