SHOP OWNERS in Glasgow are struggling to buy in drinkers’ favourite Buckfast tonic wine after production ceased due to coronavirus.

Now stores fear they may not be able to buy the wine at all, and will let customers down.

Sobhan Rashid, who owns a Day-Today shop in Whiteinch, said it is turning to a “need to know someone” situation to buy in Buckfast.

Sobhan said: “It’s really bad.

“At the start in the cash and carry’s there was a limit on how many cases you could buy but now they have said they aren’t selling anymore.

For owners like Sobhan, buying Buckfast is a waiting game until the Abbey re-opens - but customers are still looking to buy the drink, while others are selling at inflated prices.

Sobhan added: “There’s nothing we can do if the factory is shut.

“Where my shop is there are lots of factories and warehouses and people get a half bottle on the way home - it’s what they like to drink.

"Some people knew the circumstances and stocked up and are charging stupid prices like £10 per bottle. People are benefitting out of bad news.

“We sell it for £7.99 which is the RRP but because they know the circumstances will put the prices up - it’s not their fault, but if their stockists put the prices up they have to do the same.

“We stocked up a bit but not much. It will run out in a week or two.

“You need to know someone to get it.”

Fayzan Rashid owns a shop in Cardonald and said buyers "might have to go down South to get it".

Buckfast Sales manager Stewart Wilson told The Scottish Sun the situation was "a nightmare".

He said: “We’re not completely out of stock but the problem is that because production line is closed there’s no facility to move that product about.

“It’s a bit of a nightmare but you’ve got to follow guidelines.”

The Glasgow Times always encourages readers to drink responsibly. Please click here to be taken to the Drinkaware site for helpful advice and information on drinking safely.

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