Punters in Northern Ireland can expect to see a hike in the cost of a pint as drinks company Diageo has announced a price rise in draught beer from next month.
Diageo customers across the country were informed that list prices would be subjected to a rise in price from April 3 and that deliveries made after this date would be charged with the new price.
In a letter sent to publicans obtained by Belfast Live, they said: "The increase is essential for us to maintain a sustainable business for the future and enable us to continue to support the hospitality sector in many other ways.
Read more: From 'bombed out' city centre bar to pouring 700 pints of Guinness a day
"We remain committed to supporting your business both directly through our brand activities and appreciate the support you have shown us in recent years."
John Bittles, owner of Bittles Bar in Belfast city centre, said that this increase could see him having to raise the price of his pints by up to 40p.
Speaking to Belfast Live, John said: "It wasn't a real surprise because it went up down south so it was only a matter of time until the increase came up here.
"It's a big enough increase and while a pub in the city centre has a chance because we are getting a mixture of people from the likes of tourists, it's the pubs on the outskirts and the local pubs that I think will be affected the most.
"It could be 30 or 40p of an increase for me - I haven't put mine up for a while but it's costly enough and a big jump."
A pint of Guinness in Bittles Bar is currently £5.20 with John fearing that he will have to increase it to just under the £6 mark.
He continued: "The wee regular pubs, it is going to be very difficult for them because they get the same people all the time and money is tighter these days.
"Customers are shocked that it is going to go up again. I think in the city centre, everywhere is going to be around £6 or more which is a fair bit of money for people."
John wants to remind customers that these increases are beyond the control of the staff serving the pints in these bars and to remember to be patient and respectful as costs continue to rise for all.
"It's easy to vent your anger to the person serving you but they don't make them up," he said.
"This is something that is happening right across the board - Diageo is one of the last to put it up recently.
"I feel for those places that don't open during the day or don't open during the week or aren't in city centres, I think they will be hurt the most in all of this."
READ NEXT:
Belfast spot named 'Restaurant of the Year' at national awards
Cafes to check out as Belfast ranked best location in UK for breakfast
Fast-food chain announce opening of new store in Victoria Square
New 'digital first' health food spot to create 35 new jobs in Belfast
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter here
