Wales Online readers have had their say after a brewery boss has warned that the average price of a pint could exceed £7 in some places in the UK — and will be treated "as the norm". Alan Mahon, who founded the Brewgooder brand, said rocketing costs driven by the war in Ukraine, the weaker pound, rising taxes and soaring inflation had thrown the industry into a panic.
This has been made worse by the scrapping of the freeze on alcohol duty announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt earlier this month. Mr Mahon said the cost of raw ingredients such as wheat and barley were rising well in excess of the inflation rate. Brewers were also facing spiralling prices for energy and gas, which were at record highs. And the price of carbon dioxide — essential for the brewing process — was now costing 3,000 per cent higher than this time last year.
With inflation, instability and rising energy prices putting the squeeze on people's disposable income, Mr Mahon said pubs and brewers would find conditions tougher even than during lockdown — unless the public came out and showed their support for pubs and clubs.
Many of our readers voiced their concern about this news, with many fearing that this was "the beginning of the end for pubs". On a Facebook post shared on Wales Online's page on Wednesday, reader Lewis Griffiths agreed with Mr Mahon's concerns.
He said: "He should be worried as that will be it for pubs I'm afraid, it's not a viable options [for] so many as it is and I'd never pay £7 for a pint. I'd rather become teetotal and spend my money on more important things, most of my friends are saying the same they need to sort it out as a massive part of the economy will be lost plus thousands of jobs and livelihoods".
Victoria Brettle said: "The pubs are struggling, electric, gas, staff, it's bound to go up, but will people be able to still support them, remains to be seen, not good times ahead for any of us".
Meanwhile, Paula Quinn was concerned about the wider impact pub closures would have on society. She said: "Unfortunately the pubs will end up closing, sadly affecting more businesses. I feel sorry for the elderly or vulnerable who go to the pub for company, a meal or warmth.
"Most people will end up drinking at home instead, at least in pubs the drinks are measured, there will be an even more problem with alcohol and alcohol related problems which then also puts more pressure on our NHS."
Reader Chris Rice added: "Now more than ever people need to be around people as it builds compassion and care for others which is also missing in society now". Craig Wolstenholme agreed: "I know several elderly people who live alone, and they go to the pub to see people, Interact with others, this will just kill communities and isolate more people , who have no family or few friends, truly sad".
However, some readers said that they were already seeing an increase in pub prices. Emma Whittle said: "Saying that, I paid £8.25 for a pint of peroni and a small coke yesterday... the meal was cheaper than the round of 2 drinks".
Megan Rhian had this to say: "That's bad but no different to people paying £7 for a cocktail on a night out or £7 for a double grey goose and lemonade or even when they go to watch matches at the stadium. I do feel bad for pub and restaurant owners mind, food is going up too."
READ NEXT:
- Welsh police force spent £40,000 on crime-fighting tuk-tuks
- Car 'driven at over 100mph on three deflating tyres' ends up crashed into trees
- Oakwood Theme Park 'deeply saddened' by injury to visitor
- Gleision families 'anxious' wait to see if a full inquest will be held
- Van driver guilty of causing death of cyclist by dangerous driving
