Woe for drinkers as price of beer rockets 50p in just a year

The price of a pint of beer has soared by almost 50p in just 12 months, according to official data.

After allowing for huge regional differences, pub-goers on average face forking out £4.56 for a draught pint of lager – the nation’s favourite style of beer. 

The same drink was 47p cheaper a year ago, meaning its cost has jumped by 11 per cent.

Draught bitter has shot up by 8.5 per cent, rising from £3.50 to £3.80 in the same period, said the Office for National Statistics.

If the trend continues, the average price for a pint of lager could break the £5 barrier for the first time next year.

Kate Nicholls, of trade body UKHospitality, said: ‘Businesses want to keep their prices as reasonable as possible but the cost of doing business is forcing these prices up.’

Campaign for Real Ale chairman Nik Antona said the data was worrying and it was ‘make or break time’ for the sector.

He urged the Government to tackle crippling business rates to help. ‘Pubs pay a grossly unfair portion of the total business rates bill and proper reform is the only permanent fix to the issue,’ said Mr Antona.

It comes as the price of biscuits has soared to nearly double their cost last year.

Everyday dunkers across Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Aldi and Lidl have risen a shocking 87 per cent since June 2022.

Those hitting the sky-high prices include Morrison’s own-label bourbon creams – which have risen from 40p to 75p.

And digestive biscuits from Asda, Tesco and Lidl have all risen by more than 40 per cent, according to data from retail researcher Assosia. 

Is buying a pub too risky? BANK ON DAVE replies 

Dave Fishwick, the man behind Bank of Dave, is This is Money’s small business doctor. He answers reader’s questions on starting up, growing their business, getting things right and much more.

Read Dave’s answer on buying a pub below and if you would like to ask Dave a question, email him at bankondave@thisismoney.co.uk 

Is buying and running a pub a good investment or is a rental property a better bet? Dave Fishwick replies

I’ve recently inherited some money that could be used for a downpayment on a property. I’ve always been interested in running my own pub but I know it’s really hard to do at the moment.

I have experience in the industry so I know I could do it well but it’s a huge risk and I’m unsure of the best way to approach it. I know I could put the money down for the premises but it’s the startup costs that worry me.

I was toying with the idea of getting a rental property instead, as it would be more passive. But I have no experience and I’m worried about the market.

What should I do?  

>  READ DAVE’S ANSWER: I’ve inherited some money and I want to buy and run a pub: Is this too risky?