Guinness price increase a cruel blow to the already hard-pressed loyal imbibers of the pint of plain

SIR,

Is Diageo’s latest 6c increase in the price of a pint of Guinness an April Fool’s joke? If not, it will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of drinkers just as summer time arrives and the clocks go forward. The thirst for long leisurely evenings and a pint of plain, al fresco, has been cruelly quenched by Diageo’s move.

This latest increase, added to 12c and 4c increases in 2023 is enough to drive anyone to drink. The average price of a pint will increase to, at least,

€5.70 from 15th April. However, as publicans’ overheads have also increased, the price of a pint of the ebony nectar could reach €6, or more in urban areas. €20 will scarcely cover a round of drinks for a man and his two mates.

The price increase reminds me of my late father’s description of our family pub as “an oasis of social interaction and erudite conversation.” He defined his ideal customer as one who drank two or three pints of Guinness while enjoying the company of his fellow drinkers discussing football, greyhounds, horse racing and other less pressing topics.

When the price of the pint was increased, Dad reluctantly broke the bad news, placing the blame firmly at the door of Diageo, a tactical exercise in damage limitation. Despite the increase, the porter continued to flow regardless. Danny, a regular customer, was contentedly playing cards by the glowing fire when Dad asked, “will you still follow the pint at the new price, Danny?” “My dear man,” replied Danny, “I’ll follow it to Hell. Drinking the juice of the barley in such congenial company is priceless.”

Sincerely, Billy Ryle Spa Tralee