Guinness providers Diageo have said supplies will continue to be rationed over the Christmas and New Year period despite reports of UK pubs running out of stock.

Earlier this month, Diageo put an "allocation limit” on the number of Guinness kegs pubs could receive in an aim to manage supply, The Times reported.

These restrictions come off the back of an "unprecedented" demand for the Irish stout as its popularity continues to grow worldwide.

These rations have reportedly now led to UK pubs running out of Guinness.

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Diageo issues update on Guinness supplies amid UK shortage

Diageo - which is also responsible for other major alcohol brands including Baileys, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan - has now issued an update on Guinness supplies, saying the allocation limits set at the start of the month will continue over the Christmas and New Year period.

But the latest update does come with some good news, as the alcohol company also provided a timeline as to when Guinness supplies may "return to normal" in the UK.

A spokesperson, speaking to The Sun, explained: "We are grateful to all our customers for their engagement, collaboration, and patience over the past three weeks.

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"We are producing more Guinness today than we ever have in our 265-year history, and we continue to work closely with customers across our network to manage Guinness distribution as efficiently as possible, ensuring we maximise supply and minimise disruptions for pubs, retailers, and consumers.

“Demand remains at unprecedented levels, and we will continue to allocate supplies on a managed basis until the end of December, before beginning a phased replenishment of the supply chain in January to ensure a return to normal in Great Britain for the Guinness Six Nations.”

Diageo has been contacted for further comment.