Major pub chain confirms 10p price hike on pints following budget tax raid

17 December 2024, 16:02

Marston's has increased drink prices following tax hikes announced in the budget
Marston's has increased drink prices following tax hikes announced in the budget. Picture: Alamy

By Will Conroy

A major pub chain with more than 1,550 sites has increased drink prices following tax hikes announced in the autumn budget.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Marston’s has raised the price of draught beer across its pub estate, with drinkers facing paying about 10p more for a pint.

Although, due to regional pricing, the increases have varied across the country.

The changes come following the government's decision to increase business national insurance contributions and the national living wage.

The government announced increases to business national insurance contributions and the national living wage in the Budget
The government announced increases to business national insurance contributions and the national living wage in the Budget. Picture: Alamy

A Marston's spokesperson said: "This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly but, as has been widely reported, the cost of doing business is increasing across the sector.

"At Marston’s, we pride ourselves on offering great value and experiences for our guests every day of the week, and our teams are working hard to minimise the impact of external pressures on our customers and pub partners."

In its latest preliminary results, the company said it had made £42.1m in profit before tax, which was an increase of 64.5% on last year.

Read more: Labour's Budget tax raid 'puts companies off hiring' as businesses fear they 'can't afford to take a chance'

Read more: 'Betrayed' farmers to protest over Labour's inheritance tax raid - as Chancellor insists changes are 'fair'

However, it warned that the autumn budget had put some "additional pressure on costs" after the government announced increases to business national insurance contributions and the national living wage.

The rise in prices come despite chancellor Rachel Reeves cutting draught duty by 1.7%, which she said would mean "a penny off a pint in the pub".

Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has also warned customers to expect some increases
Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has also warned customers to expect some increases. Picture: Alamy

Since the budget, many businesses have shared their concern that cost pressures could be passed on to customers.

Those anticipating increased prices include Greggs, Toby Carvery owner Mitchells & Butlers and Wetherspoon as well as retailers Currys, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda.

Chief executive officer of Fuller's Simon Emeny has said the price of beers at its hotels and pubs would likely rise by 10p following the budget, according to reports.

Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has also said the group would try to stay competitive on costs for customers but warned customers to expect some increases.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Brian James

The Damned founding guitarist Brian James dies aged 70

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia

Zelenskyy vows to 'work constructively' with Trump as US-Ukraine peace talks to go ahead in Saudi Arabia

Prisons minister Lord Timpson

UK's largest jail to be created as HMP Highpoint sees 'groundbreaking' expansion - with 700 extra places

Kyle Clifford has been found guilty of rape after admitting killing the family.

Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford was 'fuelled' by Andrew Tate videos before rape and murders, court told

Rome, Italy. 25th Jan, 2025. Pope Francis seen during the Celebration of Vespers

Pope Francis heard speaking for first time since entering hospital as he thanks well-wishers in audio message

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia

Zelenskyy to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia, as Trump hits out at NATO allies 'not paying enough'

Port de Sóller

Spanish holiday hotspot introduces 'resident-only' zones - here's how the 'nightmare' policy will impact tourists

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa likely died around the same time, fire chief confirms

Lesma-Rose Wibier

Girl, 4, who died in suspected arson attack in Manchester pictured for the first time

Exclusive
Any deal with Russia may take time Ukraine doesn't have, the former PM of Ukraine has warned.

Peace deal with Russia will 'take time' that Ukraine might not have, former Ukrainian PM warns

Exclusive
Jonathan Hall KC won't recommend changing definition of terrorism in wake of Southport attacks

Terrorism definition should not be broadened in wake of Southport attacks, says independent terror legislation reviewer

Richard Tice speaking to LBC in Glasgow.

John Swinney branded 'jealous juvenile' by Reform UK

Exclusive
The independent reviewer of terror legislation has backed calls for social media to be banned for under 16s

UK's terror watchdog says calls to ban social media for under-16s 'have merit'

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the UK Andrei Kelin

Russia wants a 'quick peace' in Ukraine, ambassador claims as he accuses UK of prolonging war

Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff with David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff's ex-wife Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff found dead after 'taking her own life' aged 62

Kyle Clifford has been found guilty of rape after admitting killing the family.

Crocodile tears: Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford sobs as he refuses to speak to police 28 times after triple murder