
Soaring costs mean one pub a day will close this year as 5,600 jobs at risk
LAST ORDERS Soaring costs mean one pub a day will close this year as 5,600 jobs at risk
ONE pub a day will close this year as costs rocket, figures show.
The knock-on effect to the supply chain including brewers and farmers could see 5,600 jobs lost in all, it is feared.
The British Beer and Pub Association has called for a business rates cut for pubs to try to mitigate the damage.
It comes after The Sun's Save Our Sups campaign demanded an overhaul — pubs got 75 per cent relief during Covid but this was reduced to 40 per cent this year — as well as a cut to beer duty.
They also face new employment costs, an increase in employers National Insurance and a new EPR packaging tax.
BBPA boss Emma McClarkin said: 'Pubs are trading well.
"But most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes.
'For many it's impossible to make a profit, which all too often leads to pubs turning off the lights for the last time.'
The Treasury insisted the Government was 'pro-business' and backed boozers.
It said pubs were getting business rates relief and a 1p cut to alcohol duty.
'One of my favourite pubs' cry locals as popular bar closes doors permanently after 40 years in business in 'end of era'
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Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
O2 phone shops in high risk areas locking their doors after spate of armed robberies by crime gangs
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Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
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The Sun
17 hours ago
- The Sun
All the restaurant and pub chains that are cheaper than a McDonald's meal
THE price of McDonald's has shot up in recent years, with punters now forking out nearly £10 for a large Big Mac Meal. Gone are the days when fans of the classic meal could pay for it with the spare change in their pocket. 1 In 2022, the meal cost a mere £6.29, including fries and a drink. Today, just a single Big Mac will set you back £5.89 in London, and if you want to make it a large meal expect to hand over £9.19. Of course, McDonald's prices across the UK vary, with fast-food fans in Leeds paying £8.79 for the same exact large meal. With money tight, many punters are saying adios to the Happy Meal maker and looking for cheaper alternatives. Over the past few weeks, hangry customers have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to complain, with some describing it as "extortionate". While another said: "I just don't go anymore. For the same price as a Maccies I can go to Spoons and get a full meal with a pint." And to make matters worse, favourites such as Happy Meals, fries, and wraps have seen price increases of up to 15% in just a few months. A McDonald's spokesperson previously told The Sun: "We refuse to compromise on the quality of our ingredients – and that means when these ingredients cost more, we have to review our prices. "Raising some prices means we are able to stand by our quality commitments, like our beef patties being made from 100% British and Irish beef or our Chicken McNuggets being made from 100% chicken breast." But if you are keen to save a few quid the next time you are treating yourself, why not try these alternatives. I went to the UK's biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach WETHERSPOONS - £7.49 Spoons is known for its bargain prices and some menu items are cheaper than Maccies. Its American Burger, which comes with a beef patty, cheese, chips and a drink, costs just £7.49. That's £1.70 cheaper than a large Big Mac. Better yet, if you want to enjoy your meal with an alcoholic beverage, it still costs less than a meal at Maccies. Wetherspoons asks punters for an extra £1.53 to add a tipple to their meal, which comes in at £9.02. And Spoons has also hiked prices for customers with the cost of some of its food items by 30p earlier this year. SIZZLING PUBS - £8.79 This family-friendly chain sells a burger and chips at a bargain price. Punters can enjoy "The Old Faithful" Beef burger for £8.79 at its branch in New Farnely in Leeds. That is on par with what some customers pay for a Big Mac meal and 44p cheaper than a London Maccies. But it is worth noting that prices can vary from branch to branch. Its "Two Brothers" branch in Southampton charges £10.79 for the same meal. And unlike Maccie's, this offer does not come with a drink so you will need to fork out extra for that. You can find your nearest branch by visiting ASDA CAFE - £6.75 The popular supermarket charges around £6.75 for a cheeseburger and chips, which trumps Spoons and Maccie's. You can pay 50p to upgrade to large chips, which would take your total to £7.25. Again, you will have to pay extra for a drink as this is not included. Punters can enjoy a warm meal at 205 diners which are located within the supermarkets across the UK. HUNGRY HORSE - £4.64 You will need to follow a hack to get these delicious burgers for less. A cheese burger at the chain costs £9.29 at its Garforth branch, slightly more expensive than a McDonald's meal. But if you head there on a Friday, you can make the most of its "Two for One" offer on burgers. That means if you went there with a friend, you could split the cost the cost of the first burger, paying £4.64 each. This offer is available at all of its 250 locations in the UK. You can find your nearest chain by visiting How to save at McDonald's You could end up being charged more for a McDonald's meal based solely on the McDonald's restaurant you choose. Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other. You can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 at any time by filling in a feedback survey found on McDonald's receipts. The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey. You'll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer. There are some deals and offers you can only get if you have the My McDonald's app, so it's worth signing up to get money off your meals. The MyMcDonald's app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones and is quick to set up. You can also bag freebies and discounts on your birthday if you're a My McDonald's app user. The chain has recently sent out reminders to app users to fill out their birthday details - otherwise they could miss out on birthday treats.