UK pub owner plans price hike after budget raises taxes

The owner of the Waggon and Horses pub in Oldbury, Mike Westwood, plans to raise pint prices early next year due to a recent UK budget that increased taxes, including National Insurance and minimum wage. Currently, all pints are priced at £2.40. Westwood transformed his struggling pub by adopting a low-cost model similar to Aldi, attracting more customers. However, rising operational costs threaten this model, prompting concerns across the hospitality industry, including major chains like Wetherspoon. The budget's impact is felt widely, with business leaders indicating they may need to increase prices to cope with higher costs. Westwood's pub, known for its affordable drinks, may soon have to adjust its pricing strategy.