Majority of Brits find the price of a pint ‘unaffordable’

Some 56% of people in Britain think the price of a pint of beer in a pub is unaffordable, according to new research by YouGov and Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Pub pint prices have seen an increase, with a third of the cost of a pint now made up of various taxes including beer duty, business rates and VAT.

CAMRA said it was “extremely concerned that there is no end in sight”, ahead of government plans to increase the tax paid by pubs in the November Budget. Current plans will see Beer Duty rise by around 2p per pint, and pubs are set to lose £1,000 in Business Rate Relief, increasing pressure on pubs and potentially driving away consumers.

CAMRA’s national chairman, Jackie Parker, said: “It’s no surprise that most people are finding pub pints unaffordable, given the tax burden they’re facing. Those who do will naturally look to more cost-effective ways to enjoy a drink, such as buying from off-licences and supermarkets for home consumption.

“The result is incredibly detrimental to our local communities and to our own personal connectivity. Having a good local makes people happier, better-connected and more trusting. Furthermore, pubs help bring communities together and support the local economy.”

She added: “The reality is that there are very few places that can replicate the benefit provided by our nation’s pubs, and once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”