A LANCASHIRE pub has left a funny sign outside the front of the building in order to “lighten the mood” of the current fuel stockpiling issue.

The Black Bull on Broken Stone Road in Blackburn, has a sign outside which says ‘Beer shortage soon. Panic buy here’ and customers have found it hilarious.

Scott Bell said he posted the image to spread some smiles and also to “lighten the mood” in this worrying time.

Mr Bell added: “Motorists and cyclists were stopping to take a picture of it. It was really good because you could see them smiling as they took the photos.”

Scott posted the picture to his social media account, explaining that it “went crazy with everyone liking and sharing it.”

Lancashire Telegraph: The Black Bull in Blackburn's sign (Photo: Facebook/@blackbull3bs )The Black Bull in Blackburn's sign (Photo: Facebook/@blackbull3bs )

At the time of writing it has received 261 interactions and 56 shares.

One customer commented: “Love this.”

Another added: “We’ve been doing our bit this afternoon,” followed by beer emojis.

As you might have already seen, many people have been queuing outside petrol stations amid news reports that there could be a petrol shortage across the UK.

The panic buying has left many in need of fuel, with many reporting having to drive all over to find an open petrol station.

George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said there was not a shortage of fuel and called on motorists to stop “panic-buying” petrol and return to their normal pattern of purchasing.

Scott said the fuel stockpiling in and around Blackburn has been “crazy”.

He added: “If people just took what they needed there would be enough for all of us.”

While Scott has made a light-hearted joke about the situation he does have some genuine concerns for his business and worries that he might run out of fuel.

He explained: “On the back of the pub we have a brewery. We have some deliveries this week and I just hope we can find some diesel to fill the van up with to do the deliveries.

“We will be a bit stuck if we can’t find the fuel.”

He added that the team have been “bust the past few weeks” brewing as much as three times a week to keep up with beer demand.

He added: “Hopefully we can find somewhere to fill it up.

“Until then, come join us in the pub for a beer away from the madness.”

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