THERE was chaos in Friar Street on Friday night as hundreds of concerned revellers tried to get their hands on their drink. Worried beer drinkers queued for up to two hours to withdraw pints from the troubled hostelries amid fears they might run dry. Reading Borough Council were forced to step in and issue emergency licences to ensure that the flow of intoxicating liquor kept up with demand.

One person told us he had been queing for over an hour in the 3 Bees attempting to withdraw some amber nectar: "It's a disgrace. They don't serve you in the order you got to the bar. I think I'll try wearing a short skirt next time, it seems to get you served quicker." One landlord urged customers to remain calm: "This is just a temporary blip because of exceptional market conditions and is a result of the way that pubs do their business. Your beer supply is safe, but concerned punters could try buying more pints earlier and stacking them up."

A council spokeperson tried to reassure panic buyers: "There is no shortage of beer in the town centre. If customers would like to head down to St. Mary's Butts, our licencing committee have ensured that there are plenty of other places to embarrass yourself by getting drunk and falling down in the street."