What are your thoughts on the way we are charged for things now...?. I believe majority of Companies are charging what they like and are allowed to get away with it.
.
Insurance - Doubled and trebled for younger ones, simply telephone numbers.
Infrastructure - Schemes have doubled and trebled in price yet wages and materials have went up prob 10%.
Fuel/Electricity - They can basically charge what they feel like, apparently oil is cheaper now than it was 3-4 years ago.
Feel free to add to the list as there are just too many to list here on my own, i'd be typing all day but how are they allowed to get away with this, is there mo regulatory Authorities monitoring these and Governments not stepping in?. I can guarantee you if we had a recession like we had in 2008-2010 and you offered Contractors a large scheme for a fraction of the price they'd be able to do it. Total rip off and everyone is jumping on board with it because they can
Broadband - +£3.50 or whatever every April no matter what.
Amazon Prime - pay for no ads on a service you're already paying for. Pure gaslighting.
Beer companies, kegs put up every year, twice sometimes
Quote from: illdecide on March 22, 2024, 09:55:29 AMWhat are your thoughts on the way we are charged for things now...?. I believe majority of Companies are charging what they like and are allowed to get away with it.
.
Insurance - Doubled and trebled for younger ones, simply telephone numbers.
Infrastructure - Schemes have doubled and trebled in price yet wages and materials have went up prob 10%.
Fuel/Electricity - They can basically charge what they feel like, apparently oil is cheaper now than it was 3-4 years ago.
Feel free to add to the list as there are just too many to list here on my own, i'd be typing all day but how are they allowed to get away with this, is there mo regulatory Authorities monitoring these and Governments not stepping in?. I can guarantee you if we had a recession like we had in 2008-2010 and you offered Contractors a large scheme for a fraction of the price they'd be able to do it. Total rip off and everyone is jumping on board with it because they can
As long as Man Utd and Liverpool are on the Tv keeping the masses entertained stuff like this is irrelevant!
In all seriousness though Rates is another one, seems to go up by 7-8% each year for reduced services.
Quote from: clarshack on March 22, 2024, 10:05:51 AMQuote from: illdecide on March 22, 2024, 09:55:29 AMWhat are your thoughts on the way we are charged for things now...?. I believe majority of Companies are charging what they like and are allowed to get away with it.
.
Insurance - Doubled and trebled for younger ones, simply telephone numbers.
Infrastructure - Schemes have doubled and trebled in price yet wages and materials have went up prob 10%.
Fuel/Electricity - They can basically charge what they feel like, apparently oil is cheaper now than it was 3-4 years ago.
Feel free to add to the list as there are just too many to list here on my own, i'd be typing all day but how are they allowed to get away with this, is there mo regulatory Authorities monitoring these and Governments not stepping in?. I can guarantee you if we had a recession like we had in 2008-2010 and you offered Contractors a large scheme for a fraction of the price they'd be able to do it. Total rip off and everyone is jumping on board with it because they can
As long as Man Utd and Liverpool are on the Tv keeping the masses entertained stuff like this is irrelevant!
In all seriousness though Rates is another one, seems to go up by 7-8% each year for reduced services.
Just a note on rates, the council workers got a big pay bump last year with backpay/bonus(?) after they went on strike. How else did you think it would be funded?
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:10:52 AMJust a note on rates, the council workers got a big pay bump last year with backpay/bonus(?) after they went on strike. How else did you think it would be funded?
Yeah, knew at the time the Ratepayer was going to have to take the hit on that. It was a a massive victory for some local councillors though IIRC.
https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2024/january/mid-ulster-district-council-leisure-workers-to-continue-all-out-strike-for-improved-coaching-payments
They were still striking outside Cookstown the other day.
It's a pisstake - car insurance is a scam at this stage - my premium almost trebled for no reason.
BT saying they're putting the price up next month.
Grocery shopping another one - everything is up (but in smaller packaging) and is it just me or are the use by dates getting shorter? Tesco is a rip off nowadays.
Yep we're getting robbed blind these days. Look at how much tickets for concerts are etc too and then there are ones who know finance better than me who question why the interest rates are what they are.
Private companies are just getting very rich while the rest of us take the consequences. The profits out of oil and gas companies is ludicrous.
We're being had every road and direction tbh and buck all we can do about it.
Quote from: clarshack on March 22, 2024, 10:33:28 AMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:10:52 AMJust a note on rates, the council workers got a big pay bump last year with backpay/bonus(?) after they went on strike. How else did you think it would be funded?
Yeah, knew at the time the Ratepayer was going to have to take the hit on that. It was a a massive victory for some local councillors though IIRC.
https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2024/january/mid-ulster-district-council-leisure-workers-to-continue-all-out-strike-for-improved-coaching-payments
They were still striking outside Cookstown the other day.
I was chastised for not backing the strikes at the time by people who are now gurning about their rates bill.
My car insurance is as cheap as it has been for 30 years.
However, having examined the price of hotels in Cork over the weekend they do come as a shock. The one I posted on Orchardfans at €10,000 was probably a mistake, but the ones at €300-€400 are not.
I think if we were in France, people would be out blocking the roads.
Here, we're more passive nowadays I think.
Still not as bad as the 70s where food/ drink tripled in a decade mind you. Then again houses were alot cheaper.
Yeah hotel prices are ludicrous too. Absolute rip off.
Airbnb is the way forward if you are going on holiday for the purposes of the destination itself and not going for the luxury spa/relaxation thing.
Yeah that is my goto now. It's not getting any cheaper either mind you but manageable.
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 22, 2024, 10:49:05 AMYeah hotel prices are ludicrous too. Absolute rip off.
When I was last in Cork a night in a guesthouse type place was 10% of my car insurance, now it is one third of my car insurance, the former going up and the latter coming down :(
My car insurance coming in at more or less the exact same as last year (Admiral). Who are people with that are doubling or trebling it?
Used Car prices. Horrific.
NI rates and how they are calculated is my go to complaint every time ... just because value of the house is higher does not indicate an increased use of council services, nor does it reflect on the occupants ability to pay the inflated rates charge as a result.
Quote from: Emmett Greene on March 22, 2024, 09:58:27 AMBroadband - +£3.50 or whatever every April no matter what.
Amazon Prime - pay for no ads on a service you're already paying for. Pure gaslighting.
the prime thing is annoying me. I am considering ditching it over that. What would happen to movies/shows that I ahve bought if I did cancel my prime?
Quote from: general_lee on March 22, 2024, 10:36:59 AMIt's a pisstake - car insurance is a scam at this stage - my premium almost trebled for no reason.
BT saying they're putting the price up next month.
Grocery shopping another one - everything is up (but in smaller packaging) and is it just me or are the use by dates getting shorter? Tesco is a rip off nowadays.
a lot of companies have pulled out of the 6 counties so thats a factor
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:45:46 AMQuote from: clarshack on March 22, 2024, 10:33:28 AMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:10:52 AMJust a note on rates, the council workers got a big pay bump last year with backpay/bonus(?) after they went on strike. How else did you think it would be funded?
Yeah, knew at the time the Ratepayer was going to have to take the hit on that. It was a a massive victory for some local councillors though IIRC.
https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2024/january/mid-ulster-district-council-leisure-workers-to-continue-all-out-strike-for-improved-coaching-payments
They were still striking outside Cookstown the other day.
I was chastised for not backing the strikes at the time by people who are now gurning about their rates bill.
if thats the reason for the rates increase I am totally fine with that
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 22, 2024, 11:57:02 AMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:45:46 AMQuote from: clarshack on March 22, 2024, 10:33:28 AMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:10:52 AMJust a note on rates, the council workers got a big pay bump last year with backpay/bonus(?) after they went on strike. How else did you think it would be funded?
Yeah, knew at the time the Ratepayer was going to have to take the hit on that. It was a a massive victory for some local councillors though IIRC.
https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2024/january/mid-ulster-district-council-leisure-workers-to-continue-all-out-strike-for-improved-coaching-payments
They were still striking outside Cookstown the other day.
I was chastised for not backing the strikes at the time by people who are now gurning about their rates bill.
if thats the reason for the rates increase I am totally fine with that
Instructors went from £14/ph to £19ph (backpaid nearly 2 years) after the last round of strikes, with a commitment for it to be increased each year.
How much should a swimming/ fitness instructor be paid in your eyes? £25ph? £30?
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 12:11:16 PMQuote from: tonto1888 on March 22, 2024, 11:57:02 AMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:45:46 AMQuote from: clarshack on March 22, 2024, 10:33:28 AMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 10:10:52 AMJust a note on rates, the council workers got a big pay bump last year with backpay/bonus(?) after they went on strike. How else did you think it would be funded?
Yeah, knew at the time the Ratepayer was going to have to take the hit on that. It was a a massive victory for some local councillors though IIRC.
https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2024/january/mid-ulster-district-council-leisure-workers-to-continue-all-out-strike-for-improved-coaching-payments
They were still striking outside Cookstown the other day.
I was chastised for not backing the strikes at the time by people who are now gurning about their rates bill.
if thats the reason for the rates increase I am totally fine with that
Instructors went from £14/ph to £19ph (backpaid nearly 2 years) after the last round of strikes, with a commitment for it to be increased each year.
How much should a swimming/ fitness instructor be paid in your eyes? £25ph? £30?
youre complaining they got a payrise. Says a lot about you
Just answer the question ffs. You're deflecting. Does a swimming instructor deserve more than £20ph? It's an honest question.
38 hour week @£20 per hour isn't exactly a whole pile considering everything, pension contributions, NI, Tax etc etc;
Gross Wage £39,520 £3,293 £760
National Insurance £2,156 £180 £41
Pension £1,976 £165 £38
Pension HMRC £395 £33 £8
Student Loan £0 £0 £0
Take Home Pay £30,393 £2,533 £584
Tax Free Allowance £12,570 £1,048 £242
Tax Paid £4,995 £416 £96
Taxable Wage £24,974 £2,081 £480
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 01:13:58 PMJust answer the question ffs. You're deflecting. Does a swimming instructor deserve more than £20ph? It's an honest question.
I have no idea what they deserve but if you go private - and I researched it - you could pay a lot more than that. My point still stands
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 22, 2024, 02:14:56 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 01:13:58 PMJust answer the question ffs. You're deflecting. Does a swimming instructor deserve more than £20ph? It's an honest question.
I have no idea what they deserve but if you go private - and I researched it - you could pay a lot more than that. My point still stands
That's a fair point about private ones. I've heard what some people pay for a PT to do a class session (not even 1 on 1) and it's absolutely nuts.
McDonalds. used to be cheap sh*te and now it's expensive sh*te.
Quote from: lurganblue on March 22, 2024, 03:33:30 PMMcDonalds. used to be cheap sh*te and now it's expensive sh*te.
Guts of a tenner a head now. Nearly not worth it.
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 03:28:43 PMQuote from: tonto1888 on March 22, 2024, 02:14:56 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 01:13:58 PMJust answer the question ffs. You're deflecting. Does a swimming instructor deserve more than £20ph? It's an honest question.
I have no idea what they deserve but if you go private - and I researched it - you could pay a lot more than that. My point still stands
That's a fair point about private ones. I've heard what some people pay for a PT to do a class session (not even 1 on 1) and it's absolutely nuts.
Aye. I hear ye. PTs really stick the arm in
Quote from: balladmaker on March 22, 2024, 11:44:13 AMNI rates and how they are calculated is my go to complaint every time ... just because value of the house is higher does not indicate an increased use of council services, nor does it reflect on the occupants ability to pay the inflated rates charge as a result.
100%
And anyone chiming in saying it's to cover the increase in wages of the public workforce is delusional. Even for the civil service sector it's a dysfunctional mess. My rates are higher than my fuel bill.
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 11:39:05 AMMy car insurance coming in at more or less the exact same as last year (Admiral). Who are people with that are doubling or trebling it?
My insurance nearly doubled last August with no claims. So I went hunting and got a deal from AXA and have now changed from them to a more expensive company since AXA invest in Isreal banks that lends to new settlements. Car insurance has gone up and my house insurance went up 30% this year to.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 22, 2024, 07:24:48 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 11:39:05 AMMy car insurance coming in at more or less the exact same as last year (Admiral). Who are people with that are doubling or trebling it?
My insurance nearly doubled last August with no claims. So I went hunting and got a deal from AXA and have now changed from them to a more expensive company since AXA invest in Isreal banks that lends to new settlements. Car insurance has gone up and my house insurance went up 30% this year to.
Is there a list of companies that invest in Israeli banks?
Get them up
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 22, 2024, 07:35:10 PMQuote from: north_antrim_hound on March 22, 2024, 07:24:48 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 11:39:05 AMMy car insurance coming in at more or less the exact same as last year (Admiral). Who are people with that are doubling or trebling it?
https://bdsmovement.net/axa-divest
My insurance nearly doubled last August with no claims. So I went hunting and got a deal from AXA and have now changed from them to a more expensive company since AXA invest in Isreal banks that lends to new settlements. Car insurance has gone up and my house insurance went up 30% this year to.
Is there a list of companies that invest in Israeli banks?
Get them up
https://bdsmovement.net/axa-divest
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 22, 2024, 07:24:48 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on March 22, 2024, 11:39:05 AMMy car insurance coming in at more or less the exact same as last year (Admiral). Who are people with that are doubling or trebling it?
My insurance nearly doubled last August with no claims. So I went hunting and got a deal from AXA and have now changed from them to a more expensive company since AXA invest in Isreal banks that lends to new settlements. Car insurance has gone up and my house insurance went up 30% this year to.
Fair play.
MOTs up in price significantly, so paying more for a service that has never been poorer.
Quote from: nrico2006 on March 22, 2024, 11:05:14 PMMOTs up in price significantly, so paying more for a service that has never been poorer.
tell me about it. Leaving car in tomorrow for a service where I have got the oil and filters myself. Still likely 100 plus
Quote from: markl121 on March 22, 2024, 11:12:21 PMQuote from: nrico2006 on March 22, 2024, 11:05:14 PMMOTs up in price significantly, so paying more for a service that has never been poorer.
tell me about it. Leaving car in tomorrow for a service where I have got the oil and filters myself. Still likely 100 plus
FFS I lifted the young fellas Fiesta from the mechanic last week after a standard service. 120 quid! These are homers and I'm sure he's not VAT registered. I'd say he was 40 quid about 5 years ago.
Casement Park goes from £77.5m 12 years ago to £300m now (apparently). How can that be...Materials and salaries have not went up x4. It's just people and Companies jumping on the bandwagon and knowing they can get away with it.
Someone mentioned the price of cars...WTF. How can a car that was sold for £20k then be sold on again for £25k a year later. The Car market are at it too.
Them poxy Electric cars...who could buy one of them outright?. All leased but I suppose if they break down you couldn't afford to fix them anyway so better leased but £50k for standard car...The World is f**ked guys
Quote from: illdecide on March 23, 2024, 10:20:58 AMCasement Park goes from £77.5m 12 years ago to £300m now (apparently). How can that be...Materials and salaries have not went up x4. It's just people and Companies jumping on the bandwagon and knowing they can get away with it.
Yes happens all the time and they get away with it because it is public sector, such over runs would not happen in a private sector contract as the Client would not tolerate it. I see £150m was allocated to Strule the other day, wait to you see where that job ends up at.
Fair enough with Strule, there has been some money in schools pumped in over the last few years. I remember working on the design of Omagh IPS about 7-8 years ago...What was the figure given to an Ice Bowl in Dundonald?.
Quote from: LC on March 23, 2024, 10:36:37 AMQuote from: illdecide on March 23, 2024, 10:20:58 AMCasement Park goes from £77.5m 12 years ago to £300m now (apparently). How can that be...Materials and salaries have not went up x4. It's just people and Companies jumping on the bandwagon and knowing they can get away with it.
Yes happens all the time and they get away with it because it is public sector, such over runs would not happen in a private sector contract as the Client would not tolerate it. I see £150m was allocated to Strule the other day, wait to you see where that job ends up at.
Happens all the time in the private sector, you just are not aware. I know of 4 huge IT programmes running in the financial sector that are 100's millions over initial estimates. 3 of which were estimated less than 50 million.
Yes there's plenty of madness in the private sector too tbh. Every time you think you can't see worse you do... cronyism etc rampant in private or public.
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 25, 2024, 11:06:33 AMYes there's plenty of madness in the private sector too tbh. Every time you think you can't see worse you do... cronyism etc rampant in private or public.
Most of it is down to the fact it's difficult to estimate and/or lack of any real data to drive initial estimates. Once people get stuck into it and start uncovering the detail it always ends up costing more unless you can kill scope.
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 25, 2024, 11:06:33 AMYes there's plenty of madness in the private sector too tbh. Every time you think you can't see worse you do... cronyism etc rampant in private or public.
https://amp.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/30/king-charles-urged-to-push-for-break-up-of-uks-network-of-satellite-tax-havens
Looked yesterday at booking 2 adults and 2 kids on the train from Portadown to Dublin for the match special. £108
Airport park in Dublin over £200 for a week. Ridiculous
Getting the bus for £36 return for 2 people.
Quote from: lurganblue on March 26, 2024, 09:44:07 AMLooked yesterday at booking 2 adults and 2 kids on the train from Portadown to Dublin for the match special. £108
Are there no family tickets available?
Quote from: JimStynes on March 26, 2024, 09:46:51 AMAirport park in Dublin over £200 for a week. Ridiculous
Getting the bus for £36 return for 2 people.
That is the short term I presume?
I always park in the short term and have done before they offered as a prebook option, especially when I was expensing for work. You not being extorted, you are paying for a premium parking spot right at the door of the terminals and it's always been that expensive (you get a discount for pre-booking now). The problems are since quick park shut there is a shortage of long term spots (the blue is a pain in the bollox) and more cost effective options.
The bus is great value and drops you right at the terminals. If you have close by, not sure why you'd drive to the airport tbh.
Quote from: thebigfella on March 26, 2024, 10:12:12 AMQuote from: JimStynes on March 26, 2024, 09:46:51 AMAirport park in Dublin over £200 for a week. Ridiculous
Getting the bus for £36 return for 2 people.
That is the short term I presume?
I always park in the short term and have done before they offered as a prebook option, especially when I was expensing for work. You not being extorted, you are paying for a premium parking spot right at the door of the terminals and it's always been that expensive (you get a discount for pre-booking now). The problems are since quick park shut there is a shortage of long term spots (the blue is a pain in the bollox) and more cost effective options.
The bus is great value and drops you right at the terminals. If you have close by, not sure why you'd drive to the airport tbh.
The other options were a 15min transfer from the blue long term car park for £130 and another shorter one for £108. Parked in the red car park a few years ago and it's more than doubled in price. I'm only 10/15 min from the bus route so you're right, it's a better option to just get the bus.
Quote from: JimStynes on March 26, 2024, 10:19:04 AMQuote from: thebigfella on March 26, 2024, 10:12:12 AMQuote from: JimStynes on March 26, 2024, 09:46:51 AMAirport park in Dublin over £200 for a week. Ridiculous
Getting the bus for £36 return for 2 people.
That is the short term I presume?
I always park in the short term and have done before they offered as a prebook option, especially when I was expensing for work. You not being extorted, you are paying for a premium parking spot right at the door of the terminals and it's always been that expensive (you get a discount for pre-booking now). The problems are since quick park shut there is a shortage of long term spots (the blue is a pain in the bollox) and more cost effective options.
The bus is great value and drops you right at the terminals. If you have close by, not sure why you'd drive to the airport tbh.
The other options were a 15min transfer from the blue long term car park for £130 and another shorter one for £108. Parked in the red car park a few years ago and it's more than doubled in price. I'm only 10/15 min from the bus route so you're right, it's a better option to just get the bus.
Red has alway been a pain and nearly always sold out. Quick park being shut has made it worse but it's always been the one I thought was a rip off compared to the other options. The short term is ironically the best value, I'm a fan of the short term option and won't have a word said against it :)
I taxi it mostly now since Quick Park shut as it's 40 euro one way and door to door.
Quote from: lurganblue on March 26, 2024, 09:44:07 AMLooked yesterday at booking 2 adults and 2 kids on the train from Portadown to Dublin for the match special. £108
Jesus. Think I'll drive.
Quote from: AustinPowers on March 26, 2024, 09:49:51 AMQuote from: lurganblue on March 26, 2024, 09:44:07 AMLooked yesterday at booking 2 adults and 2 kids on the train from Portadown to Dublin for the match special. £108
Are there no family tickets available?
No not that I see
Quote from: JimStynes on March 26, 2024, 10:19:04 AMQuote from: thebigfella on March 26, 2024, 10:12:12 AMQuote from: JimStynes on March 26, 2024, 09:46:51 AMAirport park in Dublin over £200 for a week. Ridiculous
Getting the bus for £36 return for 2 people.
That is the short term I presume?
I always park in the short term and have done before they offered as a prebook option, especially when I was expensing for work. You not being extorted, you are paying for a premium parking spot right at the door of the terminals and it's always been that expensive (you get a discount for pre-booking now). The problems are since quick park shut there is a shortage of long term spots (the blue is a pain in the bollox) and more cost effective options.
The bus is great value and drops you right at the terminals. If you have close by, not sure why you'd drive to the airport tbh.
The other options were a 15min transfer from the blue long term car park for £130 and another shorter one for £108. Parked in the red car park a few years ago and it's more than doubled in price. I'm only 10/15 min from the bus route so you're right, it's a better option to just get the bus.
£168 for 12 nights in Red in the summer. We'll park at a friend's house outside Dublin and get a taxi to the airport.. Serious cash on top of everything else
Last summer I was in Tenerife. Went for a daily walk of 5-6 miles generally from Adeje to Los Cristianos.
Along that route the various cafes (all seaside) would advertise their prices.
Some went with €3 for a pint. Others €2 for a large beer. Then there was a cluster at either end of the walk has €1 large beers.
They're selling draught beer for roughly half the price it can be bought in for on this Ireland.
Tax is an issue. But mostly it's Diageo, and a corporate willingness to gouge and gouge and gouge.
No surprise they're putting their prices up again next month.
Horrible c***ts.
Guinness sales are through the roof.
All sorts of hipsters, young 20 somethings, young girls etc are drinking it nowadays. All sorts of social media accounts are set up rating pints of Guinness, instagram, TikTok, Twitter etc - basically doing the marketing for them. Diageo are just sticking the hand in while they can.
Ask your camarero the next time you're in Tenerife what he makes compared to a barman in Ireland.
Quote from: general_lee on March 26, 2024, 01:53:15 PMGuinness sales are through the roof.
All sorts of hipsters, young 20 somethings, young girls etc are drinking it nowadays. All sorts of social media accounts are set up rating pints of Guinness, instagram, TikTok, Twitter etc - basically doing the marketing for them. Diageo are just sticking the hand in while they can.
Huge fan of the fb page which shows lots of cleavage 😝😆
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2024, 03:28:17 PMAsk your camarero the next time you're in Tenerife what he makes compared to a barman in Ireland.
You've missed the key point.
They are selling draught beer for half the price that a publican here can buy it in.
Your camerero isn't part of the equation at this point.
The point is about cost. Publicans aren't paying 6e to buy in a pint.
A pint of Estrella Damm will cost you the same in Belfast as a pint of Guinness, and that's not Diageo. Why?
Diageo may be comparatively expensive but the point of sale in Ireland gouges far, far worse than the big bad multinational.
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2024, 05:38:40 PMThe point is about cost. Publicans aren't paying 6e to buy in a pint.
A pint of Estrella Damm will cost you the same in Belfast as a pint of Guinness, and that's not Diageo. Why?
Diageo may be comparatively expensive but the point of sale in Ireland gouges far, far worse than the big bad multinational.
There is a cost to running a pub, a restaurant charges more for a steak than a butcher does. However, the prices in Belfast seem to be taking the piss.
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2024, 05:38:40 PMThe point is about cost. Publicans aren't paying 6e to buy in a pint.
A pint of Estrella Damm will cost you the same in Belfast as a pint of Guinness, and that's not Diageo. Why?
Diageo may be comparatively expensive but the point of sale in Ireland gouges far, far worse than the big bad multinational.
In Belfast City Centre (£6-6.50 a pint) the point of sale gouges every bit as much as Diageo. And more fool those that pay it.
In the rest of the six counties (£4.20-£4.80 a pint), it's entirely a Diageo gouge.
I do think rates in Belfast are extortionate too so that is a factor. I don't think running a pub, especially these days, is as profitable as people think.
Quote from: armaghniac on March 26, 2024, 05:49:01 PMQuote from: gallsman on March 26, 2024, 05:38:40 PMThe point is about cost. Publicans aren't paying 6e to buy in a pint.
A pint of Estrella Damm will cost you the same in Belfast as a pint of Guinness, and that's not Diageo. Why?
Diageo may be comparatively expensive but the point of sale in Ireland gouges far, far worse than the big bad multinational.
There is a cost to running a pub, a restaurant charges more for a steak than a butcher does. However, the prices in Belfast seem to be taking the piss.
Cities are more expensive than the club up the road. Quelle surprise. Higher rates, higher wages etc, it all adds up.
The price of a pint, wholesale in the keg is going up 6-8c. Wait and see how the price to the punter jumps. Multiples of that over the course of a year I'd bet.
Diageo are taking the piss. Theres not a whole pile of profit in a pint with the price of kegs, your average pub thats charging £4.50 or so a pint isn't making much. Its the halfins especially shots where the profit is. Even bottles sure they're being sold at about 4x the price you buy them at.
The bigger pubs get a fair whack of a discount too the more kegs they order per week.
Home shebeen with a TV / firestick for big sporting events , box of beer or if you enjoy a pint, a beer machine, half a dozen friends. I wouldn't darken the door of a pub in Derry very often, odd birthday, after a big Sat evening Derry game.
Quote from: gallsman on March 26, 2024, 06:10:36 PMQuote from: armaghniac on March 26, 2024, 05:49:01 PMQuote from: gallsman on March 26, 2024, 05:38:40 PMThe point is about cost. Publicans aren't paying 6e to buy in a pint.
A pint of Estrella Damm will cost you the same in Belfast as a pint of Guinness, and that's not Diageo. Why?
Diageo may be comparatively expensive but the point of sale in Ireland gouges far, far worse than the big bad multinational.
There is a cost to running a pub, a restaurant charges more for a steak than a butcher does. However, the prices in Belfast seem to be taking the piss.
Cities are more expensive than the club up the road. Quelle surprise. Higher rates, higher wages etc, it all adds up.
The price of a pint, wholesale in the keg is going up 6-8c. Wait and see how the price to the punter jumps. Multiples of that over the course of a year I'd bet.
Wetherspoons can sell pints at under £4 in every major city in the UK.
The difference in how Wetherspoons and Diageo treat the end customer in a public house is startling.
What are pubs paying Diageo per pint nowadays? Couldn't be much over £2?
Shrinkflation is when you py the same price but get less. This is very common now.
Received my car insurance renewal yesterday. Was £670 last year, no accidents or claims, 6 years no claim bonus and the feckers are looking £3760.
Quote from: angermanagement on March 26, 2024, 09:47:02 PMReceived my car insurance renewal yesterday. Was £670 last year, no accidents or claims, 6 years no claim bonus and the feckers are looking £3760.
;D they are wankers. Must be a Nigerian Prince running the insurance companies.
Quote from: angermanagement on March 26, 2024, 09:47:02 PMReceived my car insurance renewal yesterday. Was £670 last year, no accidents or claims, 6 years no claim bonus and the feckers are looking £3760.
Is that a like for like quote?
If so, crazy stuff.
Quote from: angermanagement on March 26, 2024, 09:47:02 PMReceived my car insurance renewal yesterday. Was £670 last year, no accidents or claims, 6 years no claim bonus and the feckers are looking £3760.
Jesus. Must be some mistake there surely??
Quote from: marty34 on March 26, 2024, 10:02:12 PMQuote from: angermanagement on March 26, 2024, 09:47:02 PMReceived my car insurance renewal yesterday. Was £670 last year, no accidents or claims, 6 years no claim bonus and the feckers are looking £3760.
Is that a like for like quote?
If so, crazy stuff.
Exact same quote. No mistake. English crowd, excuse was they could only get one company to quote for the six counties. To be fair to the fella I spoke to who, he just said wow when he seen the quote and said i'll cancel your insurance with us next month.
Quote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on March 26, 2024, 07:33:32 PMWhat are pubs paying Diageo per pint nowadays? Couldn't be much over £2?
Yeah nearly £2 on the button.
Quote from: toby47 on March 27, 2024, 09:06:54 AMQuote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on March 26, 2024, 07:33:32 PMWhat are pubs paying Diageo per pint nowadays? Couldn't be much over £2?
Yeah nearly £2 on the button.
So a 7 quid pint has a fiver going to the publican - 440 for a keg. Obviously that doesn't take into account the many overheads a business owner has, but it's mad that small places operating at low volumes can charge much less and still keep going.
The price of a keg goes down the more you're ordering.
Quote from: Armagh18 on March 27, 2024, 10:56:04 AMThe price of a keg goes down the more you're ordering.
By a few pence yes.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 27, 2024, 10:31:23 AMQuote from: toby47 on March 27, 2024, 09:06:54 AMQuote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on March 26, 2024, 07:33:32 PMWhat are pubs paying Diageo per pint nowadays? Couldn't be much over £2?
Yeah nearly £2 on the button.
So a 7 quid pint has a fiver going to the publican - 440 for a keg. Obviously that doesn't take into account the many overheads a business owner has, but it's mad that small places operating at low volumes can charge much less and still keep going.
The traditional pub model was a ratio of 3:1 on purchases i.e if a drink sold at £3, roughly £1 was for the wholesaler, £1 was for cost of business (staff, heat, light, insurance, tv, etc), and £1 was profit/loan repayments/reinvestment.
Diageo (and other brewers) have made this model unsustainable in recent years, as bars attempting to charge £6 for a pint when the same core product is available in off sales for around £1, should put themselves out of business.
When I say should, Belfast city centre's pub scene is effectively a cartel and they got together during Covid to agree minimum pricing i.e. a return to 3:1 ratios on pints.
Which as a move I suppose I'd support in general, except those shower of profiteering c***ts are now using a baseline 3:1, and are charging upwards on 8:1 ratios for mixed drinks and "premium" bottled beers.
Then they appear in the press every few weeks claiming poverty.
No harm to any of them. If they're converting £12 bottles of Smirnoff into £120 cash on repeat, and still claiming poverty, then they're on the take.
I heard yesterday that 60% of alcohol is consumed at home now.
So why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
Quote from: thewobbler on March 27, 2024, 11:15:01 AMQuote from: Tony Baloney on March 27, 2024, 10:31:23 AMQuote from: toby47 on March 27, 2024, 09:06:54 AMQuote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on March 26, 2024, 07:33:32 PMWhat are pubs paying Diageo per pint nowadays? Couldn't be much over £2?
Yeah nearly £2 on the button.
So a 7 quid pint has a fiver going to the publican - 440 for a keg. Obviously that doesn't take into account the many overheads a business owner has, but it's mad that small places operating at low volumes can charge much less and still keep going.
The traditional pub model was a ratio of 3:1 on purchases i.e if a drink sold at £3, roughly £1 was for the wholesaler, £1 was for cost of business (staff, heat, light, insurance, tv, etc), and £1 was profit/loan repayments/reinvestment.
Diageo (and other brewers) have made this model unsustainable in recent years, as bars attempting to charge £6 for a pint when the same core product is available in off sales for around £1, should put themselves out of business.
When I say should, Belfast city centre's pub scene is effectively a cartel and they got together during Covid to agree minimum pricing i.e. a return to 3:1 ratios on pints.
Which as a move I suppose I'd support in general, except those shower of profiteering c***ts are now using a baseline 3:1, and are charging upwards on 8:1 ratios for mixed drinks and "premium" bottled beers.
Then they appear in the press every few weeks claiming poverty.
No harm to any of them. If they're converting £12 bottles of Smirnoff into £120 cash on repeat, and still claiming poverty, then they're on the take.
A massive bug bear of mine.
If you're going to gouge consumers and they're happy to come back for a gouging time and time again, well fair play to you. Fill yer boots.
But not content with that, the city centre cartels feel they need a slice out of the tax/rate payer also.
Greedy cnuts, fronted by the insufferable Colin Neill
Quote from: toby47 on March 27, 2024, 09:06:54 AMQuote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on March 26, 2024, 07:33:32 PMWhat are pubs paying Diageo per pint nowadays? Couldn't be much over £2?
Yeah nearly £2 on the button.
VAT? Excise duty?
Quote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
I was in Belfast over the weekend and plenty of hoardings up around construction sites for new "coming soon" bars, restaurants etc. You'd think Belfast is a saturated market but business owners must think there is profit to be made from the tourist sector in particular.
Quote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
latest accounts article i could see for Beannchor. £6.3million pre-tax profits for a year.
Diageo pays about half of profits in dividends.
This has to keep growing..
https://www.dividendmax.com/united-kingdom/london-stock-exchange/beverages/diageo-plc/dividends
Quote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
Bollocks
As someone pointed out, Beannchor Group posted a 5m (net... I repeat net) profit
after tax on a 28m turnover in 2022.
They are printing money
And wanting an already underfunded BCC to put the cherry on top
who, or what, is Beannchor
You could have googled it in the time it took to type.
A Norn Iron hospitality group. Hotels, restaurants, pubs, bistros etc. Considerably upmarket. The Merchant the jewel in the crown.
Quote from: tonto1888 on March 27, 2024, 04:23:54 PMwho, or what, is Beannchor
Bill Wolsey and family.
Merchant, Bullitt, Dirty Onion, The National, Little Wing pizzerias...
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 27, 2024, 05:04:12 PMQuote from: tonto1888 on March 27, 2024, 04:23:54 PMwho, or what, is Beannchor
Bill Wolsey and family.
Merchant, Bullitt, Dirty Onion, The National, Little Wing pizzerias...
And a hotel in Dublin incoming?
Quote from: toby47 on March 27, 2024, 06:54:20 PMQuote from: Tony Baloney on March 27, 2024, 05:04:12 PMQuote from: tonto1888 on March 27, 2024, 04:23:54 PMwho, or what, is Beannchor
Bill Wolsey and family.
Merchant, Bullitt, Dirty Onion, The National, Little Wing pizzerias...
And a hotel in Dublin incoming?
He owns other bars which are leased out?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 27, 2024, 01:53:24 PMQuote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
I was in Belfast over the weekend and plenty of hoardings up around construction sites for new "coming soon" bars, restaurants etc. You'd think Belfast is a saturated market but business owners must think there is profit to be made from the tourist sector in particular.
They'll be heavily backed by whatever group they're owned by so not as much risk attached, compare that
Quote from: Franko on March 27, 2024, 04:14:14 PMQuote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
Bollocks
As someone pointed out, Beannchor Group posted a 5m (net... I repeat net) profit after tax on a 28m turnover in 2022.
They are printing money
And wanting an already underfunded BCC to put the cherry on top
Beannchor are the cabal. They can set prices to whatever they want in their establishments and people will pay it. A few others often follow suit but that's a lot different to saying the Downeys, Conlons etc are all in on it.
Is it fair to say that the price of a pint in pubs isn't the reason why pubs are empty?
As far as I can see, the dearest places for a pint is where people are flocking to while a lot of the other pubs with cheaper drink are struggling to get people in.
Yes, a lot of these pubs were packed 7 days a week in the 80s & 90s but it's never coming back. Society and drinking culture has changed and a £2 pint isn't going to make a difference.
I don't know about anywhere else but Belfast suffers a lot due to a lack of taxis. I have had a lot of bother a good few times getting taxis.
Always been a pain in the hole as long as I can remember.
There are a couple of reasons for it...
Since COVID though it is beyond ridiculous. It used to be tough getting home but now it can be hard even getting out.
Not sure in your two reasons. I could list a few though.
Like anything, once you have been forced (covid) to find new employment you basically cut your cloth to it and adapt, the money may not be as good but the normal conditions are better, and trying to get people back in that way of life again is difficult.
If the public transport was like any other major city then you wouldn't really have to rely on taxis as much, most cities at the weekend and maybe during the week have trains and bus services running through to 2 or 3 in the morning. last train at the weekend out of Belfast is 11.40 I think, not sure of the bus services, I do remember the late night buses years ago, flipping carnage!
Ubers in other countries have been brilliant, in Liverpool for instance its so quick and not hard to pay, two main companies here seem to have sown things up which is a problem, cost and availability of doing a taxi course seems to be another problem.
Cost of insurance, cost of fuel and other factors play into it, I stick to day time ventures into town, easier to get home, either (for me) train, bus, and plenty of taxis available at that time
I used Uber in Belfast last weekend and had no bother as it was a Sunday so no idea what their service is like on a Saturday night when the city is packed. I think the taxi service lost loads of drivers over Covid and many didn't return.
I think the likes of uber would surge a lot. You start to read now about taxis lining up at night and bartering with people for fairly large sums for short journeys.
Covid has hit that industry especially as they don't feel they got a lot of funding when they were out of work during that time. Belfast has a lot of people in it but could have a lot more but for the taxi / public transport situation. I think they're attempting late buses now too but I don't think translink have the money for them.
Quote from: gallsman on March 27, 2024, 04:57:41 PMYou could have googled it in the time it took to type.
A Norn Iron hospitality group. Hotels, restaurants, pubs, bistros etc. Considerably upmarket. The Merchant the jewel in the crown.
why use google when the worlds best experts in everything congregate here
Quote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 10:26:12 PMQuote from: Tony Baloney on March 27, 2024, 01:53:24 PMQuote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
I was in Belfast over the weekend and plenty of hoardings up around construction sites for new "coming soon" bars, restaurants etc. You'd think Belfast is a saturated market but business owners must think there is profit to be made from the tourist sector in particular.
They'll be heavily backed by whatever group they're owned by so not as much risk attached, compare that Quote from: Franko on March 27, 2024, 04:14:14 PMQuote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
Bollocks
As someone pointed out, Beannchor Group posted a 5m (net... I repeat net) profit after tax on a 28m turnover in 2022.
They are printing money
And wanting an already underfunded BCC to put the cherry on top
Beannchor are the cabal. They can set prices to whatever they want in their establishments and people will pay it. A few others often follow suit but that's a lot different to saying the Downeys, Conlons etc are all in on it.
The size of the Beannchor group is largely irrelevant
If they "can set prices to whatever they want in their establishments and people will pay it" then why can't others?
It's not as if the people of Belfast flock to Bill Wolsey's pubs out of love for the man
I guess it pretty much sums up the point of the thread. They charge whatever they want and they get away with it. Some say people are paying it so it's grand but what's the alternative - no one has a social life?
Quote from: Franko on March 28, 2024, 10:26:05 AMQuote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 10:26:12 PMQuote from: Tony Baloney on March 27, 2024, 01:53:24 PMQuote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
I was in Belfast over the weekend and plenty of hoardings up around construction sites for new "coming soon" bars, restaurants etc. You'd think Belfast is a saturated market but business owners must think there is profit to be made from the tourist sector in particular.
They'll be heavily backed by whatever group they're owned by so not as much risk attached, compare that
Quote from: Franko on March 27, 2024, 04:14:14 PMQuote from: general_lee on March 27, 2024, 12:11:01 PMSo why is a pint in Belfast £6+?
Is it solely because of some imaginary cabal price gouging (see Beannchor) or is there actually more to it?
Belfast city centre pubs pay 20% VAT, in Dublin it's 13.5% (was 9%). UKGov refuses to reduce VAT for hospitality & tourism.
There is no rates relief in Belfast city centre (or NI) for hospitality businesses that is available elsewhere in the UK. So when the council raise their non-domestic rates, pubs and restaurants here get slaughtered.
Despite handsome profits last year, Diageo have announced their latest price increase - this is the one that makes the news but other breweries and suppliers have also put their prices up in the past 12 months.
Many Belfast city centre pubs employ people on minimum wage. When that goes up next month, they will be paying their bar staff more. They then have to pay supervisors, managers etc more as well. If they hire external contractors such as a cleaning company, that bill will also increase.
Wetherspoons, despite being a messy, under-staffed, McDonald's that serves alcohol and cheap, nasty food, has still increased prices twice in the last 6 months. The industry is fucked.
Bollocks
As someone pointed out, Beannchor Group posted a 5m (net... I repeat net) profit after tax on a 28m turnover in 2022.
They are printing money
And wanting an already underfunded BCC to put the cherry on top
Beannchor are the cabal. They can set prices to whatever they want in their establishments and people will pay it. A few others often follow suit but that's a lot different to saying the Downeys, Conlons etc are all in on it.
The size of the Beannchor group is largely irrelevant
If they "can set prices to whatever they want in their establishments and people will pay it" then why can't others?
It's not as if the people of Belfast flock to Bill Wolsey's pubs out of love for the man
That's like saying if Diaego announce a price increase, why don't Heineken? Or Tennents?
The size of the group is very much relevant, more so when they have 3 or 4 outlets slap bang in the Cathedral Quarter - two of which happen to be arguably the most popular bars in Belfast. If all 4 start charging a premium for a pint and one outlet struggles (unlikely), it's no major problem as it can be easily offset by the other 3 that are probably raking it in.
The Downeys might hypothetically see the Dirty Onion next door up their prices and think they want a slice of the action, and both bars will probably get away with it. That's not the same as them all sitting around with Colin Neill at the head of the table deciding how much the next price increase will be, as some people seem to suggest.
We're veering off into another discussion here.
If Beannchor pubs can set prices at 'whatever they want' and people still pay it then the reason can only be because they are the best pubs so still attract the punters despite the gouging.
If others can't do the same it's because whatever they offer isn't at the same level and therefore, for them, a price increase = lost customers
If Beannchor can make MASSIVE returns out of the pub/restaurant/hotel game in Belfast, then there's no reason others can't.
It's not up to the taxpayer or ratepayer to subsidise these sub-standard outlets. Or to add another few hundred grand to Bill Wolseys annual dividend for that matter.
And if there are too many pubs and restaurants in Belfast and supply exceeds demand... well tough toddy... a few of them will have to close.
The number of licenses in Belfast hasn't went up in years (I've been led to believe). New bars just come in at the expense of old ones. Not sure on where restaurants fit - but there do seem an awful lot more. I do wonder is that a factor at all.
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 28, 2024, 12:25:37 PMThe number of licenses in Belfast hasn't went up in year (I've been led to believe). New bars just come in at the expense of old ones. Not sure on where restaurants fit - but there do seem an awful lot more. I do wonder is that a factor at all.
I don't think there's much doubt about this
Every hole in the hedge is now selling coffees and traybakes
And that's not to mention the Deli counters and coffee machines that have appeared in every petrol station in the country over the past decade
Colin Neill needs to get the message that it's not up to the people of Belfast to fund this proliferation of profiteroles
Just on a side note it astonishes me the queues of people you see waiting to pay £2 for a cup of tea in a cardboard cup. Buy a thermoflask and some teabags and pay 2p a cup for life.
Extortion thread threatens existence of the What grinds my gears thread 😆
But aye, while I'm here, what about themmuns always walking round with the metallic coffee thingys. It probably freezing too. Just to look cool. Basturts
Rant over
Off with their heads I say...
Yeah tbh ripped off left right and centre these days whether it be beer, tea, food, taxis you name it!
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on March 28, 2024, 02:47:43 PMExtortion thread threatens existence of the What grinds my gears thread 😆
But aye, while I'm here, what about themmuns always walking round with the metallic coffee thingys. It probably freezing too. Just to look cool. Basturts
Rant over
Those thermos type mugs generally keep hot things hot and cold things cold. If it's freezing, that's probably their intention.
But no, you don't have to leave a Chillys cup or bottle. Fail to see how people trying to avoid single use containers could possibly upset anyone else.
Sorry gallsman I was only jesting wont do that again that's for sure
Apologies to the environment also for any offence
The people running UL look like they have had their eye wiped a couple of times;
https://www.rte.ie/news/education/2024/0328/1440413-limerick-university-tu-dublin/
Went out for some food yesterday evening with the Mrs, sit in cafe in Warrenpoint serving traditional Fish & Chips...
Me - Fish & Chips
Mrs - Chicken fillet Burger with Chips and Curry sauce as a side
Mozzarella dippers and an ice-cream with 2 drinks...£50
£50 in a chipper for 2...WTF
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2024, 07:29:43 PMWent out for some food yesterday evening with the Mrs, sit in cafe in Warrenpoint serving traditional Fish & Chips...
Me - Fish & Chips
Mrs - Chicken fillet Burger with Chips and Curry sauce as a side
Mozzarella dippers and an ice-cream with 2 drinks...£50
£50 in a chipper for 2...WTF
Stop boasting ffs! ;)
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2024, 07:29:43 PMWent out for some food yesterday evening with the Mrs, sit in cafe in Warrenpoint serving traditional Fish & Chips...
Me - Fish & Chips
Mrs - Chicken fillet Burger with Chips and Curry sauce as a side
Mozzarella dippers and an ice-cream with 2 drinks...£50
£50 in a chipper for 2...WTF
Was it a licenced chip shop!
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2024, 07:29:43 PMWent out for some food yesterday evening with the Mrs, sit in cafe in Warrenpoint serving traditional Fish & Chips...
Me - Fish & Chips
Mrs - Chicken fillet Burger with Chips and Curry sauce as a side
Mozzarella dippers and an ice-cream with 2 drinks...£50
£50 in a chipper for 2...WTF
Ah but the chips are nice in the Genoa!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68816689 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68816689)
"When his business opened, Mr McLaughlin was charging about £8.50 for a fish supper but with the cost of potatoes and other items doubling, he has had to put up his prices to £14 for the same order.
"There will come a time when I can't continue to keep putting up prices to facilitate rising costs. We are at the ceiling of where people are prepared to pay and what they can afford to pay," he said."
14 quid for a fish supper, scandalous
Quote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2024, 11:31:20 AMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68816689 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68816689)
"When his business opened, Mr McLaughlin was charging about £8.50 for a fish supper but with the cost of potatoes and other items doubling, he has had to put up his prices to £14 for the same order.
"There will come a time when I can't continue to keep putting up prices to facilitate rising costs. We are at the ceiling of where people are prepared to pay and what they can afford to pay," he said."
14 quid for a fish supper, scandalous
Should be a treat once in a while anyway. Too many people rely on these a few nights a week.
Nothing beats a good fish supper with whatever trimmings you have with yours (fond of a tub of curry on mine)
But its a lot cheaper to make the stuff yourself! Good batter mix and fish of choice and throw it into the deep fat fryer. Fire some cut spuds into the air fryer and jobs a goodin!
Very rare I get to the chippy nowadays unfortunately, but the prices are through the roof
Do many still have the auld deep fat fryer? We've never had one since getting married and I vowed never to get one in as I'd fall into the lazy trap to often.
We've an actifry for few years now and love the chips out of it. Missus had to get the ninja there too. And despite initial objections given we already had an air fryer, it's used every day. Oven rarely goes on now unless it's a pasta bake, lasagna etc that doesn't fit in the ninja.
I have the wee silver mini fat fryer, grand for goujons fish bites and chips. Stays in the garage
Have the Ninja and while its handy for roasties and other things I don't use it that much, love cooking, so generally be at the hob
The price of a take away is through the roof, recently ordered an Indian (I'll not say how much it cost in case Frank says I'm boasting ;) ) and they have put their prices up since I last got one, though that was a good while ago
Never been a big take away lover. Not sure if it's just in general or the fact most local ones are muck. After a Chinese or chippy I just feel like crap. Love getting to a nice indian but it's a rare occurrence.
That said, you can't go wrong with pizzas. Would be my go to when looking a fast food hit.
The margins on pizza's must be fantastic, surely.
Quote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2024, 02:46:27 PMThe margins on pizza's must be fantastic, surely.
Was told this before yes. People seem happy to pay money for a pizza that they wouldn't pay for say a Chinese or a chippy.
Quote from: RedHand88 on April 17, 2024, 02:54:51 PMQuote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2024, 02:46:27 PMThe margins on pizza's must be fantastic, surely.
Was told this before yes. People seem happy to pay money for a pizza that they wouldn't pay for say a Chinese or a chippy.
Mate bought the stove and all the malarkey that goes with it.. not worth the hassle, its far cheaper to order
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 17, 2024, 03:02:38 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on April 17, 2024, 02:54:51 PMQuote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2024, 02:46:27 PMThe margins on pizza's must be fantastic, surely.
Was told this before yes. People seem happy to pay money for a pizza that they wouldn't pay for say a Chinese or a chippy.
Mate bought the stove and all the malarkey that goes with it.. not worth the hassle, its far cheaper to order
I bought a stone that goes in the oven, wasn't dear but should of bought a paddle too. Works well but even with that there's a lot of work with the dough etc. They are really good when you go to the hassle though
the local bar has gone up to £4.80, people are just stopping to go as often to bars
Indian
Pizza
Chinese
Chippy
That would be the go to preference now. Chippy is bottom of the pile mainly because of the cost.
While Indian works out around the same price as the chippy it feels a much higher quality of food for the cost.
We need to see more of this. Indeed it needs the full backing of VFI and another supplier ready to step in.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/dublin-pub-takes-stand-against-29004882
(Why do so many "news" websites have to destroy the user experience with an advert every scroll? Yes I clicked on that article because it interested me. No, I refuse to stay on that site and see if there's anything else interesting to read)
I seen on Facebook the cafe in Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon got their rates bill of £71k through the post! That is crazy money and when you throw in rent, staff, electric, stock and all the rest you would have to sell some amount of fish and chips to cover that on a daily basis.
what's the point in putting rates that high. You will just put people out of business and then no one will be able to afford your rates. Any wonder that the "high street" is dying.
Quote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2024, 08:28:51 AMWe need to see more of this. Indeed it needs the full backing of VFI and another supplier ready to step in.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/dublin-pub-takes-stand-against-29004882
(Why do so many "news" websites have to destroy the user experience with an advert every scroll? Yes I clicked on that article because it interested me. No, I refuse to stay on that site and see if there's anything else interesting to read)
I thought you couldn't penalise customers for paying by card now? the article doesn't clearly explain their "cash discount scheme"
The Chinese we go to used to charge 50p to pay by card, now since that rule came in they only accept cash
Quote from: WeeDonns on April 18, 2024, 08:56:53 AMQuote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2024, 08:28:51 AMWe need to see more of this. Indeed it needs the full backing of VFI and another supplier ready to step in.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/dublin-pub-takes-stand-against-29004882
(Why do so many "news" websites have to destroy the user experience with an advert every scroll? Yes I clicked on that article because it interested me. No, I refuse to stay on that site and see if there's anything else interesting to read)
I thought you couldn't penalise customers for paying by card now? the article doesn't clearly explain their "cash discount scheme"
The Chinese we go to used to charge 50p to pay by card, now since that rule came in they only accept cash
Rules could be different in the South? Either way easy way round it would be to say you are rewarding people for using cash rather than penalising them for card. E.g. advertise something for £5.50 but give a 50p discount for cash etc.
Quote from: square_ball on April 18, 2024, 08:43:20 AMI seen on Facebook the cafe in Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon got their rates bill of £71k through the post! That is crazy money and when you throw in rent, staff, electric, stock and all the rest you would have to sell some amount of fish and chips to cover that on a daily basis.
I heard talk of that. Out of curiosity how does that compare to town centre rates in Lurgan/Portadown? Rushmere is flying at the minute and is usually packed. They'd have much more footfall there than in a town site.
Quote from: clonian on April 17, 2024, 03:05:19 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 17, 2024, 03:02:38 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on April 17, 2024, 02:54:51 PMQuote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2024, 02:46:27 PMThe margins on pizza's must be fantastic, surely.
Was told this before yes. People seem happy to pay money for a pizza that they wouldn't pay for say a Chinese or a chippy.
Mate bought the stove and all the malarkey that goes with it.. not worth the hassle, its far cheaper to order
I bought a stone that goes in the oven, wasn't dear but should of bought a paddle too. Works well but even with that there's a lot of work with the dough etc. They are really good when you go to the hassle though
Ah here I was at this last summer too. I bought a pizza stone and stuck it in the gas bbq. Made the dough and all that. It's defo worth doing as something a bit different for the family. An ooni would be better I'm sure.
If this weather ever wised up I'd be ready to give it another whirl.
Quote from: lurganblue on April 18, 2024, 09:32:25 AMQuote from: square_ball on April 18, 2024, 08:43:20 AMI seen on Facebook the cafe in Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon got their rates bill of £71k through the post! That is crazy money and when you throw in rent, staff, electric, stock and all the rest you would have to sell some amount of fish and chips to cover that on a daily basis.
I heard talk of that. Out of curiosity how does that compare to town centre rates in Lurgan/Portadown? Rushmere is flying at the minute and is usually packed. They'd have much more footfall there than in a town site.
No idea about rates in Lurgan/Craigavon. True Rushmere is busy throughout the week and that cafe always seems to be busy as well so obviously they are still making enough to keep their business going. I'd imagine their location and footfall in the centre is relfected in their rent as well. But still a £71k rates bill is pretty high in any mans language.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 09:21:42 AMQuote from: WeeDonns on April 18, 2024, 08:56:53 AMQuote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2024, 08:28:51 AMWe need to see more of this. Indeed it needs the full backing of VFI and another supplier ready to step in.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/dublin-pub-takes-stand-against-29004882
(Why do so many "news" websites have to destroy the user experience with an advert every scroll? Yes I clicked on that article because it interested me. No, I refuse to stay on that site and see if there's anything else interesting to read)
I thought you couldn't penalise customers for paying by card now? the article doesn't clearly explain their "cash discount scheme"
The Chinese we go to used to charge 50p to pay by card, now since that rule came in they only accept cash
Rules could be different in the South? Either way easy way round it would be to say you are rewarding people for using cash rather than penalising them for card. E.g. advertise something for £5.50 but give a 50p discount for cash etc.
It's an EU directive under PSD2.
Quote from: thebigfella on April 18, 2024, 10:38:59 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 09:21:42 AMQuote from: WeeDonns on April 18, 2024, 08:56:53 AMQuote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2024, 08:28:51 AMWe need to see more of this. Indeed it needs the full backing of VFI and another supplier ready to step in.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/dublin-pub-takes-stand-against-29004882
(Why do so many "news" websites have to destroy the user experience with an advert every scroll? Yes I clicked on that article because it interested me. No, I refuse to stay on that site and see if there's anything else interesting to read)
I thought you couldn't penalise customers for paying by card now? the article doesn't clearly explain their "cash discount scheme"
The Chinese we go to used to charge 50p to pay by card, now since that rule came in they only accept cash
Rules could be different in the South? Either way easy way round it would be to say you are rewarding people for using cash rather than penalising them for card. E.g. advertise something for £5.50 but give a 50p discount for cash etc.
It's an EU directive under PSD2.
I'm not sure that easy way round it would pass much muster. No pun intended. It would at the very least need to be a % discount rather than a fixed fee per transaction one
Quote from: lurganblue on April 18, 2024, 09:35:17 AMQuote from: clonian on April 17, 2024, 03:05:19 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 17, 2024, 03:02:38 PMQuote from: RedHand88 on April 17, 2024, 02:54:51 PMQuote from: lurganblue on April 17, 2024, 02:46:27 PMThe margins on pizza's must be fantastic, surely.
Was told this before yes. People seem happy to pay money for a pizza that they wouldn't pay for say a Chinese or a chippy.
Mate bought the stove and all the malarkey that goes with it.. not worth the hassle, its far cheaper to order
I bought a stone that goes in the oven, wasn't dear but should of bought a paddle too. Works well but even with that there's a lot of work with the dough etc. They are really good when you go to the hassle though
Ah here I was at this last summer too. I bought a pizza stone and stuck it in the gas bbq. Made the dough and all that. It's defo worth doing as something a bit different for the family. An ooni would be better I'm sure.
If this weather ever wised up I'd be ready to give it another whirl.
Yeah - must get the paddle bought and give it a rattle again, hadn't used it on the BBQ yet but must give it a rattle. BBQ weather window wasn't great last year though.
Quote from: David McKeown on April 18, 2024, 11:09:23 AMQuote from: thebigfella on April 18, 2024, 10:38:59 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 09:21:42 AMQuote from: WeeDonns on April 18, 2024, 08:56:53 AMQuote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2024, 08:28:51 AMWe need to see more of this. Indeed it needs the full backing of VFI and another supplier ready to step in.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/dublin-pub-takes-stand-against-29004882
(Why do so many "news" websites have to destroy the user experience with an advert every scroll? Yes I clicked on that article because it interested me. No, I refuse to stay on that site and see if there's anything else interesting to read)
I thought you couldn't penalise customers for paying by card now? the article doesn't clearly explain their "cash discount scheme"
The Chinese we go to used to charge 50p to pay by card, now since that rule came in they only accept cash
Rules could be different in the South? Either way easy way round it would be to say you are rewarding people for using cash rather than penalising them for card. E.g. advertise something for £5.50 but give a 50p discount for cash etc.
It's an EU directive under PSD2.
I'm not sure that easy way round it would pass much muster. No pun intended. It would at the very least need to be a % discount rather than a fixed fee per transaction one
Think might have quoted wrong :)
You are right though, if it was challeged it could easily be interpreted as passing on a fixed surcharge.
Quote from: thebigfella on April 18, 2024, 12:02:47 PMQuote from: David McKeown on April 18, 2024, 11:09:23 AMQuote from: thebigfella on April 18, 2024, 10:38:59 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 09:21:42 AMQuote from: WeeDonns on April 18, 2024, 08:56:53 AMQuote from: thewobbler on April 18, 2024, 08:28:51 AMWe need to see more of this. Indeed it needs the full backing of VFI and another supplier ready to step in.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/dublin-pub-takes-stand-against-29004882
(Why do so many "news" websites have to destroy the user experience with an advert every scroll? Yes I clicked on that article because it interested me. No, I refuse to stay on that site and see if there's anything else interesting to read)
I thought you couldn't penalise customers for paying by card now? the article doesn't clearly explain their "cash discount scheme"
The Chinese we go to used to charge 50p to pay by card, now since that rule came in they only accept cash
Rules could be different in the South? Either way easy way round it would be to say you are rewarding people for using cash rather than penalising them for card. E.g. advertise something for £5.50 but give a 50p discount for cash etc.
It's an EU directive under PSD2.
I'm not sure that easy way round it would pass much muster. No pun intended. It would at the very least need to be a % discount rather than a fixed fee per transaction one
Think might have quoted wrong :)
You are right though, if it was challeged it could easily be interpreted as passing on a fixed surcharge.
Could it? Is it illegal to offer a cash discount? (Providing you are declaring the income obviously)
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 18, 2024, 12:30:53 PMCould it? Is it illegal to offer a cash discount? (Providing you are declaring the income obviously)
Yes if it's a fixed discount regardless of the purchase cost then it could easily be interpreted as a surcharge on using a card payment instrument. Not sure if there is any relevant case law which backs that up.
Was booking flights to Glasgow there. I selected the flights and was at the very last stage for payment and they messaged me to say the price had changed and would i like the flight at the dearer price...WTF. Surely when you select the flight and proceed to payment that's the price guaranteed. Pure gangsters.
A flight a few days to go was £82.00 from Belfast to Glasgow and when the fixtures came out for games Celtic were due to play Sevco that day, the flight is now sitting at £302. How can they get away with this?. Is there not like a regulatory Authority or some sort of rules they have to abide by or can they just stick whatever fee they feel like?.