Pub introduces ration card to deal with Guinness shortage at Christmas

Pubs have been forced to restrict the supply of Guinness due to 'exceptional demand'.

Following a recent rush in sales, owners of Guinness, Diageo, have looked to restrict the supply of the world's most popular stout.

With fears of running out before their next delivery, The Old Ivy House in London introduced Guinness Ration Cards last week.

Sharing a picture of the ration card on Instagram, the pub stated: "We are down to 3 barrels with our next delivery not due until next Wednesday — at the busiest time of the year!!"

The ration card has two blank circles followed by a third which reads 'One ration of Guinness’.

A spokesperson for Diageo recently confirmed to Sky News that the company had seen ‘exceptional consumer demand’ for Guinness in the UK.

"We have maximized supply and we are working proactively with our customers to manage the distribution to trade as efficiently as possible," they added.

Stock in Ireland has been unaffected.