Conviviality, the company behind high street off-licence chains Wine Rack and Bargain Booze, is on the brink of collapse, putting 2,600 jobs at risk and prompting warnings that pubs could run dry. The trade body for the UK’s pubs, more than 20,000 of which are supplied by the company’s Matthew Clark distribution division, warned many could now face “short-term supply issues”. “The board wish to thank its customers, suppliers and employees for their continued support during this difficult period for the company. The company blamed the first profit warning on a erroneous calculation made by a member of its finance team and weakening profit margins. The British Beer & Pub Association said: “We are working with our members to assess the impact of the ongoing issues with Conviviality who, through Matthew Clark, are significant suppliers to the pub trade.

Source: The Guardian March 28, 2018 18:00 UTC