Price of pint of Guinness to rise as Diageo blames 'industry-wide pressures'

"This isn't just about the price of a pint. It's about the long-term viability of pubs across the country. Community pubs are being pushed to the brink and continued increases in drink prices only accelerate that trend."

"Publicans are being hit from all sides but drink costs are the biggest burden they face. This latest price increase from Diageo will put even more pressure on pubs that are already operating on extremely tight margins. Many will be left with no option but to pass this on to customers, which helps nobody."

"Diageo said "industry-wide cost pressures" had led to the increases and a necessity to "maintain sustainable operations in Ireland.""

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland strongly criticised Diageo's recent drink price increases and warned repeated rises contribute to rural pub closures amid falling footfall and rising costs. The VFI said community pubs face long-term viability threats and that drink costs represent the largest burden on publicans operating on extremely tight margins. The VFI called for targeted State supports, including an excise rebate for draught beer and cider and employer PRSI relief, and urged suppliers to recognise pubs' role as their route to market. Diageo cited industry-wide cost pressures and the need to maintain sustainable operations in Ireland.

Read at Irish Independent