Pint of beer almost 3x cheaper in supermarkets
The average cost of a pint of draught lager, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics as of August 2021 was £3.88.
According to Sainsbury’s website, a pack of four 568ml cans of Kronenbourg is £5.50, meaning each can (which is the equivalent to a pint), is £1.38.
Cost of a pint
Similarly, for the same quantity of Heineken in Asda (four 568ml cans) is also £5.50. Morrisons stocks 568ml cans of San Miguel, which is priced at £6 – making each £1.50.
In Tesco, a four pack of Stella Artois 568ml cans is £5.39 – meaning each can is £1.35. Carlsberg Export is £5.25 - £1.31 a can.
How much has the average cost of a pint in a pub risen over the past 10 years?
- August 2021 – 2.1% rise to £3.88
- August 2020 – 2.4% rise to £3.80
- August 2019 – 1.6% rise to £3.71
- August 2018 – 1.7% rise to £3.65
- August 2017 – 2.9% rise to £3.59
- August 2016 – 1.2% rise to £3.49
- August 2015 – 2.4% rise to £3.45
- August 2014 – 2.1% rise to £3.37
- August 2013 – 3.1% rise to £3.30
- August 2012 – 3.2% rise to £3.20
- August 2011 – 4.7% rise to £3.10
While the temporary 12.5% VAT cut can help pubs that serve food and soft drinks, alcohol is not included in the reduced rate.
Duty cut impact
In the Spring Budget earlier this year (March), Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced planned duty increases on alcoholic drinks were cancelled.
There has been reports Sunak could be changing the alcohol taxation system and he is facing pressure from Conservative MPs to cut beer duty for draught pints.
However, operator Gav Young, from the Plough and Barleycorn in the Isle of Wight, wrote how a “duty cut would do nothing for pubs” in a column for The Morning Advertiser.
