NO HALF MEASURES
I’m reluctantly lifting my pub’s ban on half pints and soft drinks – but with strict rules and even steeper prices
There's still a catch if you want to order a fizzy drink
A GRUMPY pub owner is reluctantly lifting his ban on the sale of half pints and soft drinks.
John Bittles outright refused to add fizzy drinks to his menu and any Guinness pours smaller than a full pint some two years ago.
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The Belfast-based landlord has since changed his ways after revelling in tourists and visitor's sufferings for long enough.
Despite being music to the ears of those who prefer shorter beverages, a half-pint will now cost just 85p less than a full one.
The eye-watering price tag of Bittles' half pints in one of the capital's smallest pubs is £4.95.
And the change of heart is thanks to the influx of cruise ships docking in the port right next to his tiny establishment.
read more money
John told : "Touristy people especially are coming looking for a half pint, so I've worked out what I have to do to make it worth my while."
He added some do decide to just order a full pint when they realise the cost.
But many are happy to pay for the half because they're "not pint-drinking people, they are more half-pint people".
John previously made a sign stating "No coke drinkers" - with customers being refused a soft drink - before lifting the ban.
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However, strict conditions still apply.
Bittles is only allowing the sale of pop if the buyer is with someone ordering an alcoholic drink.
How to save money buying alcohol
Alcohol can be pricey if you’re planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs.
It’s always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz.
The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers.
Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don’t forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too.
If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You’ll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
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