Ginger beer price at Mornington pub has Redditers seeing red
The war between pub owners and consumers continues across the country. This time, a Mornington pub has come under fire for the price of a pint of ginger beer.
One outraged social media user took Kirks on the Esplanade to task, claiming they paid $42.40 for “two pints of ginger ale”.
The Herald Sun confirmed the pub charges $21.20 for a pint of Brookvale Union alcoholic ginger beer – which is one of the most expensive drinks on the market.
The Reddit post caused a stir.
“Doesn’t surprise me. A pub in South Melbourne charges $11.50 for a pint of lemon, lime and bitters. It made me bitter, that’s for sure,” oner Redditer said.
Another commented, “Wtf, seriously wtf … where did you go that charges this much? My goodness, I would give it back and say no thank you”.
Hospitality workers said they understood customers’ frustrations over current prices but urged them not to take their anger out on the servers.
“Please just don’t abuse your servers/bartenders in the process, we don’t make the prices,” one worker said.
“I work in hospitality, if the price is high and you don’t want it, please just politely decline. With all the recent price hikes there’s been such an increase in customers being abusive towards workers. We probably think the same, but at the same time, venues are also just trying to stay afloat,” someone else commented.
As this publication has constantly reported, the cost of living crisis affects everyone, including businesses struggling to stay afloat.
The unreasonable and constantly rising alcohol tax is also having a major impact on the price of a pint.
“The Australian government tax on alcohol is wild,” one commenter said.
“Pubs, bars and restaurants are not thriving right now. There are many trying to sell or just shutting their doors. Small business in Australia is tough. If you’re paying more and therefore going out less you want the whole experience to be great. Service, drinks, food and vibes. I think things will balance back out but it has been a very hard few years for those that made it through Covid and still facing challenging times,” the commenter explained.
Redditers suggested drinking at home or making the most of happy hours to avoid the high prices.
“Most places I go to, it’s only $10 a pint. Stop hanging out at expensive pubs,” was another suggestion.
Given its location, Kirks is at the upper range of the price scale. The pub is located in a prime position on the Mornington Peninsula, with sweeping views of the water and charges $38 for a parma, $34 for a roast of the day, $50 for a 350g scotch fillet and $29 for a Caesar salad – $35 if you add grilled chicken or smoked salmon.
Jonathan Jackson, 3rd October 2024