A campaign to alert consumers to price increases in pubs on big match days in the Lansdowne Road area appears to be paying off, Director of Consumer Affairs Carmel Foley said yesterday.
A survey of 19 pubs in the area found that just one bar, the "51" on Haddington Road, increased its prices for Sunday's Six Nations rugby match against England. This compares to a similar survey conducted last year which found the majority of pubs had increased their prices for match day.
An inspector from the Office of Consumer Affairs reported being charged €4.50 for a CDC Gin in the "51" last Sunday, an increase of 60 cent from the previous survey. The price display showed that other spirits had also increased by 60c. Pints increased by 30 cent, resulting in charges of €5 for a pint of lager and €4.50 for stout.
Ms Foley said the survey was proving to be a success in promoting consumer awareness of sudden price increases.
"A similar survey last year found the majority of pubs surveyed increased their prices for match day. This year we published our survey results in advance and it is clear that public and media pressure has paid off in keeping prices down," she said.