Price of a pint of Guinness to set to rise next month

The price of a pint is set to rise once again, with Diageo increasing the price of Guinness and other drinks on draught from next month.

The increase will come into effect from February 3 and will apply to all the company's draught products—Guinness, Carlsberg, Rockshore, and Hop House 13.

When VAT, duty, and other factors are taken into account, it is expected that punters could expect around a 25 pence increase. 

A spokesperson for Diageo said: ““We continue to face increased costs across our business, and as a result, we have informed our Northern Ireland on-trade customers that there will be a price increase on our draught beer range, taking effect from 3rd February 2024. This increase will be across the full Diageo draught beer range.’’

The Vintner’s Federation of Ireland (VFI) has criticised Diageo’s decision to again increase prices.

VFI CEO, Pat Crotty, said:“Publicans are being squeezed from every angle—rising energy costs, higher wages, and government-imposed charges. This latest price increase from Diageo adds yet another layer of financial pressure on pubs already struggling to keep their doors open.

“Our members understand that costs are rising across the board, but what they need now are meaningful supports to help absorb these increases. We need suppliers and the government to recognise the unique pressures facing publicans and work with us to find solutions that can sustain this vital sector.

“This isn’t just about the price of a pint. It’s about the survival of pubs across Ireland. The reality is that small, community-based pubs are at breaking point. Without additional support, particularly in rural areas, many will simply not survive.”