A PINT of beer could cost an unbelievable £20 within the next year, experts have warned.
Pubs, bars and clubs are facing a “perfect storm” of rising costs, surging energy bills and falling demand, according to a report by the British Beer and Pub Association.
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The organisation fears that hundreds of venues could be forced to call last orders for the final time and close their doors for good.
Customers are reportedly cutting back on booze as inflation dilutes their pay packets, while soaring energy bills take an ever-larger chunk out of profits.
Just last month, Heineken announced it would be raising the price of its beers due to “unprecedented costs”.
The Dutch beer maker said it will start charging 15.8% more per keg from January 16, 2023.
Heineken owns major brands like John Smith, Fosters, Amstel, Birra Moretti, Kronenbourg, Desperados, Bulmers and Old Mout.
They also announced that they would cut the alcohol content of Fosters from 4% to 3.7%.
The brewer has confirmed that this is due to people opting for lower percentage drinks as part of a “healthy lifestyle.”
It comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt reversed the freeze in duty on beer, cider, wine and spirits.
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The move was part of his overhaul of predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget after the collapse of the Truss government.
This will see tax on booze rise in line with inflation, which is at its highest since the 1980s
The end of the freeze will add 33p to the typical cost of a lager — which is already up by eight per cent to £4.13.
Emma McClarking, of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Many just managed to pull through the pandemic but what we are facing now is crippling businesses at an unprecedented rate.
“We need the beer duty freeze reinstated.”
Nick Antona, head of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: “It is a perfect storm – increased costs, huge energy bills and customers tightening their belts all mean landlords face a very bleak future.
“Many are already operating at a loss of up to 20% and they won’t survive.”
