THE price for a pint is to increase by six cents – the third hike in 18 months.
The announcement was made by the country’s bigger brewer, Diageo, in a letter sent out to publicans yesterday.
The increase will come into effect from April 15 next and will apply to all the company’s draught products – Guinness, Carlsberg, Rockshore and Hop House 13.
Diageo blamed rising input costs across all its operations in Ireland despite energy costs and inflation decreasing in recent months.
The company stated: “In order to offset this, we must pass on some of this additional costs to our customers.
“As a result we are adjusting the list prices on our draught product range.
“This includes Guinness which will increase by the equivalent of 0.06 per pint or €5.28 per 50 litre keg.
“These changes will take effect from 15th, April,2024 and deliveries made on or after this date will be charged at the new princess.
“Please be reminded that the retail pricing is at your discretion, and you remain free at all times to set the price of our products.
“We remain committed to supporting your business and the wider hospitality sector and value your continued support.”
Diageo increased the price of a pint by 12 cents in February last year and then by a further 4 cent again last July, causing fury among publicans.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland said the drinks giant was out of touch with both the pubs and its customers.
The average price of a pint of Guinness before the latest increase was 5.30 while a pint of lager was around 5.60.
However, the price of booze in Dublin city centre pubs were way dearer.
Most publicans are now expected to put up the price of a pint by at least 10 to 20 cents as they take into account both the six cent hike plus the recent increase in the minimum wage.
‘BATTLING TO SURVIVE’
One publican said: “We were hoping Diageo might leave the price alone this year and can’t believe they are going for their third price increase in 18 months.
“Many pubs are battling to survive and are worried customers will not tolerate another price hike.
“We were not helped by the VAT rate for the hospitality sector being increased back up from 9 to 13pc.
“One way or the other a pint will increase by six cents now and maybe even more depending on the individual publican.”
The publicans now fear that Diageo’s arch rival Heineken will shortly follow suit.
‘SHOCKING’
Meanwhile, Dublin Airport passengers are calling for a staff training day after one patron received a shocking pint.
The punter blasted the pint of Guinness as “shocking” after it was served up in one of the airports popular bars.
One passenger took to TikTok to share a look at the shocking buy.
Posting under the name of Irish Wolf, the poster went into the Guinness bar at Dublin Airport.
They then show the pint of Guinness which has a large amount of foam which is filled with bubbles.
Viewers took to the comments section to share their opinions on the pint.
One person said: “You don’t take it, you don’t pay.”
But the poster confirmed that they had paid for the black stuff before they received it as the bar was “really busy.”
He added: “The Gate Bar is a perfect pint.”
Someone else said: “Had one there myself recently, ten times worse, horrific.”