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You're barred, Mr Darling

Great story from the BBC how pubs have barred the Chancellor Alistair Darling from their premises.

I was back home in North Wales this weekend and popped into one of the local pubs for a pint. Chatting with the landlord, he told me that it wasn't just the 4p increase, but that the breweries had also taken the opportunity to raise prices too. Along with VAT, the price of a pint had gone up by 20p. As a result, a pint of John Smith's bitter came to £2.55.

In contrast, you can buy 18 cans for £16.00 at the local supermarket. No wonder local pubs are shutting up shop all over the place.

Comments

Anonymous said…
If you think that's dear, try having a pint in Cardiff ona Friday night - need a new mortgage!
March 26, 2008 6:00 pm
Armchair Sceptic said…
There could be some good footage on YouTube of Darling being refused access to pubs in the Westminster area. But he is so unpopular, he would probably have to wear a fake beard ... oh, he used to do that years ago.

(I have restarted my blog, so please add it to the Blogroll again - thanks)
March 29, 2008 12:44 pm
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans said…
Mountjoy - job done and welcome back
March 29, 2008 5:30 pm
Anonymous said…
Why just Alistair Darling? If every pub barring Darling had posters barring local Labour politucians as well it would certainly put the pressure on Darling from them as they get criticised locally for supporting this.

Believe me. There's one thing that will make politicians put pressure on their bosses. It's local criticism of themselves and the threat of losing their seats.
April 06, 2008 6:22 pm
Anonymous said…
Absolutely right.

It would be good if Welsh pubs would start banning Labour MPs and AMs for this blatant disregard of the pub industry.

Let's start the revolution here!
April 06, 2008 6:43 pm
Anonymous said…
DJE....you fail to mention the greatest reason for pubs closing in great numbers.....the smoking ban. Maybe you should be banned too!?
April 08, 2008 3:58 pm
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