CAMRA: 'skyrocketing pint prices a worrying time'
Analysis of the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) by the Morning Advertiser (MA) earlier this week revealed pint prices had increased 4.6% in the year to April 2024.
The figures showed the average cost of a pint of draught lager in pubs was estimated to have stood at £4.75 last month, up 4.6% from £4.54 in April 2023.
On a monthly basis, draught lager prices jumped 0.8%, rising from £4.71 in March.
Real risk
CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “With the price of a pint continuing to skyrocket in UK pubs, it is a worrying time for struggling publicans as well as the hardworking brewers and cider makers who serve them and consumers alike.
“The 4.6% rise since last year brings the real risk that loyal pubgoers, still reeling from the cost-of-living crisis, will be unable to afford to support their humble local.
“Pubs, brewers and cider producers continue to face a torrent of industry threating issues, such as the costs of goods, energy bills and employing staff, which are at an unmanageable and unprecedented high.
“These issues, alongside the burden of grossly unfair business rates, have left pubs facing the predicament of either raising their prices or permanently closing their doors.”
Draught bitter also saw price increases during this period, rising by 2.9% year-on-year from £3.77 in April 2023 to £3.88.
Urgent action
In addition, month-on-month the cost of a pint of bitter saw a 0.5% price hike compared with March this year, jumping from £3.86.
The previous data showed the cost of a pint of draught lager in the on-trade had seen a 0.5% uptick overall during the first quarter of 2024.
Antona continued: “If the price of a pint is to be lowered in the coming years then urgent action around business rates reform and fairer taxes on beer and pubs, must be taken by the new Government to ensure pubs are able to thrive, not just survive.
“This will be CAMRA’s main focus when we launch our campaigning manifesto ahead of the general election.”
