Beer up nearly 10p a pint

By Iain O'Neil

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Real ale Beer Mike benner

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The average price of a pint of beer increased by just over 4% or nine pence in 2005 according to CAMRA. The Campaign for Real Ale's annual price...

The average price of a pint of beer increased by just over 4% or nine pence in 2005 according to CAMRA.

The Campaign for Real Ale's annual price survey found the average price of real ale rose by nine pence from 215p to 224p.

The average price of lager also rose by nine pence from 236p to 245p, an increase of 4.04%.

Cheapest and dearest​According to the new figures, the north west was the cheapest region to go for a pint of real ale or lager, costing 197p and 221p respectively, while the most expensive regions were London and the south east, where a pint of real ale cost 242p, and a pint of lager cost 264p and 261p respectively.

The highest price rise could be found in the north, where real ale went form 196p to 206p, a 5.34% increase, and lager rose from 223p to 235p, an increase of 5.12%. These rises seem excessive and disproportionate ​ Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive.

Budget tax freeze​The increased figures from the price survey, which was carried out across 1,121 pubs throughout February, have prompted CAMRA to call on the government to freeze or cut the amount of excise duty on beers and ciders before prices go through the roof.

Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive, said: "Even the smallest increases in tax will blast a hole through the pocket of the pub-visiting public. High excise duty rates have negative consequences for consumers, the UK economy, and local communities.

"We understand that pubs have increasing costs such as rates, energy etc, but these rises seem excessive and disproportionate."

Small breweries relief​CAMRA is also lobbying the Government to retain the current system of Small Breweries Relief, which is essential for enabling small breweries to compete on a level playing field with larger brewing companies.

Mike Benner said: "Small brewers lack the economies of scale, access to market and alternative revenue sources which larger brewers benefit from, and Small Breweries Relief redresses these disadvantages."

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