Price of a pint to rise by 20p warns major pub chain boss after Budget tax raid
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PUNTERS at a major pub chain face paying 20p more for a pint following the Government's Autumn Budget. Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young's, said it plans to hike prices by between 2.5 to 3% because of increased costs. Employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) are being increased from April this year meaning bosses will have to pay more in tax on workers' pay.
![[Friends toasting beer at a bar.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/group-happy-friends-drinking-toasting-829329829.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But a host of retailers and chains are warning they will have to pass these additional costs onto shoppers and customers. Mr Dodd said the upcoming NIC hike will add around 20p to the cost of a pint sold at £6.30 in London to £6.50. Mr Dodd said: “We’ll mitigate as much as we can of the NI contribution – we’ll do that through efficiency, we’ll do that through investing in our pubs.
"But there will be some price passed on to the consumer.". He added any price rises would be "sensible" so as not to lose too many customers. "I’m not going to say anything about the Government, because they have a tough job – although it’s not helpful.".
Mr Dodd's comments came after Young's posted strong sales over the festive period, with like-for-like sales across December 24, 25 and 26 up 10.5% from the year before. Total managed revenue for the 15 weeks up to January 13 increased 26.1% and 7.9% on a like-for-like basis.
Young's, which runs pubs mostly in London and the South East of England, is one of a number of hospitality chains warning of price hikes later this year due to the Government's tax raid. All Bar One owner Mitchells and Butlers (M&B) told The Sun last year the price of its pints could rise by between 10p and 15p.
