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On-trade prices for wine, whisky and gin rise, latest statistics show

15 December 2022 By Christian Smith

Wine, whisky and gin prices in the UK’s pubs and restaurants continue to rise, despite the overall rate of inflation easing slightly in the year to November – the latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows.

Just as the UK enters the thick end of Christmas party season, statistics have shown that prices of wine, whisky and gin have risen. All alcohol prices rose in pubs, restaurants and cafes last month, including lager and bitter, and the price of a night out is rising at its fastest rate since 1991.

Falling prices of motor fuel contributed the largest amount to the falling core consumer prices index (CPI), a measure of inflation.

The CPI including housing costs is up 5.4% in the year to November and the largest contributor to this rise was increasing alcohol prices of alcohol in pubs, restaurants and cafes.

The increase is most significant in wine, whisky and gin. Whisky saw the biggest rise at 7.8% in the month from October to November, while gin, wine and lager and bitter prices also rose.

Year-on-year price rises are even more stark. A glass of wine that cost £4.03 in 2021 now costs £4.44, a 10.2% rise.

Kate Nicholls of UK Hospitality commented, “while the headline rate of inflation has reduced slightly, it remains the case that hospitality businesses are seeing intense inflation in every aspect of their operations.”

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said that lowering inflation was his top priority.

“I know it is tough for many right now, but it is vital that we take the tough decisions needed to tackle inflation – the number one enemy that makes everyone poorer. If we make the wrong choices now, high prices will persist and prolong the pain for millions.”

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