United Kingdom: UK’s biggest pub chain reduces the price of a pint of beer to a level not seen for 20 years

A decision by Britain’s biggest pub chain to slash the price of a pint of beer to 99p has led to fears that it will encourage binge drinking, The Daily Mail reported on January, 5.

JD Wetherspoon last week announced a string of ‘indefinite’ price cuts – some to levels not seen for 20 years – at its 713 pubs, which led to rival chains promising to review their own prices.

Today, the average price of a pint of beer is £2.75, although in some areas of the UK it is as high as £3.20.

John Hutson, Wetherspoon’s chief executive, defended the move, claiming the firm was trying to help people in the economic slump.

The company, which operates 713 pubs across the UK, said the price reductions on some beer, bottled lager, wine and spirits will run “indefinitely”.

Greene King IPA will be cut to 99p a pint, as will a bottle of San Miguel, the company announced.

06 January, 2009