Wetherspoon could face legal action unless it pays breweries.

The pub chain has said it will withhold payment to struggling beer suppliers during the coronavirus crisis, claiming it does not have enough cash.

Legal charity The Good Law Project said it will publish legal advice for beer suppliers on Monday.

The business, founded by Tim Martin has been forced to close its pubs during the lockdown and has put thousands of staff on reduced wages under a government-funded scheme

Wetherspoon has been forced to close its pubs during the lockdown and has put thousands of staff on reduced wages under a Government-funded scheme.

But the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba) urged the group's founder, Tim Martin, to reconsider the decision.

said without the payments owed, many of the breweries 'will go into administration'. Wetherspoon's beer-buying arm, East West Ales, said: 'We understand that this puts significant pressure on our suppliers.'

In a letter, Siba chief executive James Calder claimed payment was being refused for 'beer that was still being served in your pubs last week'.

Legal charity The Good Law Project has said it will publish legal advice for beer suppliers on Monday.

Wetherspoons' beer-buying arm East West Ales told brewers: 'We understand that this puts significant pressure on our suppliers, but we are kindly asking for your assistance during this very difficult period.'