Venezuela faces beer drought

Venezuela could soon entirely run out of beer as workers at the country’s largest brewer have gone on strike over a long-running pay dispute.

Polar is Venezuela’s most popular beer (Photo: flickr)

Employees of Polar, which produces around 80% of Venezuela’s beer, have walked out of facilities in the capital Caracas and Anzoategui, as well as 16 distribution centres.

The union-led walkout has forced the closure of the facilities, with the two other breweries that remain open operating at a reduced capacity.

“They’ve delayed our collective contract for over 20 months, and the company refuses to recognise our union,” spokesman Jose Rojas told Reuters.

A socialist, nationalist state, Venezuela has strict controls on food as a means of ensuring it stays cheap enough for the poor. However, some say this policy can also lead to shortages.