Ref. 27971-58BEER drinkers in Swindon could be dealt a bitter blow as the cost of a pint looks likely to rise by about 10p.

The rise could happen within weeks in response to national increases in production costs.

It is thought rising cereal costs as well as the rise in energy charges needed to brew the beer are to blame.

And it is likely to be the smaller, traditional local pubs which will suffer most.

Andy Marcer, landlord of the Beehive in Prospect Hill, which is owned by the chain Greene King, managed to absorb a similar rise last year by cutting costs elsewhere but he said he will be unable to do the same this year.

"It looks like we will have to increase our prices by up to 10p a pint on certain drinks," he said.

"Prices never stay the same beer is no different. The rise will affect all pubs, although the larger ones may be able to absorb it better without passing it on to customers.

"The Wetherspoon's chain for example can sell their beer cheaper than I can buy it."

But Beehive regular John Wilson, 42, believes that the rise is inevitable and said: "You struggle to get change out of a £10 note to get an average round. This rise won't make much of a difference."

Ted Kukielko, who manages the Roaring Donkey pub in Albert Street, Old Town, is yet to be informed of an increase but reckons one is on the cards.

He said: "Every year at around this time barrel prices go up. Unfortunately as a tenant I don't have any say in it at all I just get a letter through the door stating prices are to rise."

In the past two years Mr Kukielko has seen three price increases on one of his most popular brands Usher's Best.

Until this year he has been able to absorb the price. The cost of a pint is now £2.20, which is up 10p.

Kevin Fitzgerald, licensee of The Victoria in Victoria Road, said: "We do not stand a chance against the bigger chains. If our brewery, Scottish Courage, introduces an increase we will not be able to absorb it."

Richard James of the Swindon branch of The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), which seeks to bring down prices, is concerned a possible rise could speed the decline of the local pub.

He said: "People will go to the larger pubs or buy their alcohol from supermarkets.

"And Swindon is not too far from ferry ports and we could see people heading over to France to stock up on cheaper beer."

It's not all bad news however. Swindon-based Arkell's Brewery says it will not raise prices.

Managing director James Arkell said: "Despite an increase in the cost of raw materials and utility prices, including electricity, gas and water and an increase in cereal prices, there are no current plans to increase the prices of Arkell's beers."

Swindon's Archers Brewery was unavailable for comment.

Kevin Shoesmith