JD Wetherspoon unveils the 99p credit crunch pint

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has said it is dropping beer prices to encourage more people to the pub.

The price of certain drinks at all 713 pubs in the company's estate is expected to be reduced in the move which comes into play on Monday.

Changes at some of the pubs include Greene King IPA being reduced to 99p a pint and a bottle of San Miguel being available at the same price.

A bottle of Blossom Hill Rose wine will be available at £4.99, a single measure of Sailor Jerry Rum at £1.29 and a 750ml bottle of Jacques Cider at £3.99.

Chief executive John Hutson said the price-promotion would run "indefinitely".

"People enjoy going to the pub, however I appreciate that the economic downturn means that they now have to be more careful with their money," he said.

"I believe the new food and drink prices will allow people to visit the pub without it costing them too much.

"Unlike most sales that start in January, the offers will not be ending within days and will run indefinitely."

Food prices are also being slashed with five meals on the menu being priced at £2.99.

However not everyone has welcomed the move, with some licensees saying it will put more pressure on their own businesses.

Paul St. John Campbell, who runs the Queen Edith pub in Cambridge, said it was the last thing he needed in the current tough trading environment.

"Things are bad enough as it is and this could end up killing rural pubs like mine. We just can't compete when they are selling at such cheap prices.

"If they sell this cheap it makes you wonder what the supermarkets will do in response to it."