Gillingham Football Club factory bar opening in Priestfield threatened by beer shortage

Gillingham Football Club says they face supply issues as they race against the clock to open their Factory bar for the weekend.

The club had originally set a September 4 goal of getting fans back into the Priestfield food court, but that day’s game against Charlton Athletic was postponed, giving them a few extra weeks to to make things progress.

But club president Paul Scally, speaking to fans this week, admits they are running low on beer and number limits may need to be capped.

He said: “The factory was a big job, the whole floor had to be replaced and we renovated it. We’re trying to open it for Saturday, trying to get the brewery to deliver more beer.

“(There are some) difficult problems, we overcome them and we find solutions. I’ll be disappointed and sad if we don’t open it on Saturday, at least for a limited number of people.

“I’m trying to buy the equipment we need for the plant and I’m told it will take three months, things you would normally get in four or five days.

“It’s an equipment supply problem, we’ve always had Heineken as a brewery, we’ve always been very good at handling, always been easy with supplies, we’re now limited to the number of barrels we can have, like the rest of the companies are due to problems with the supply of kegs and beer.

“Things that used to be the norm are no longer normal and everyone is being challenged. I’m hopeful the Factory will be open to supporters on Saturday, it’s our plan to open it.

“People in business will say there is a huge supply problem, with all kinds of items. We’re trying to get a car for one of our employees but we can’t get a car, we’re told it will be 10 months before that particular car becomes available.

The club have also had delays with their fan replica kit which is supplied by Italian manufacturers Macron. It just happened and fans were able to grab some jerseys ahead of this weekend’s game against MK Dons.

Fans who have donated their 2020/21 membership to the club are entitled to a free membership.

Mr Scally said: “There is clearly a manufacturing problem all over Europe and of course our kits are made in Italy by Macron and the Italians have had a very scorching time, as bad as we in England have had it. affected production. “

The club appreciated the frustration of fans wanting a reply and said: “We would like to thank the supporters for their patience and understanding as we await the delivery. We would also like to thank Macron for his help.

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