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London Bars Could Be Ripping Off People Who Don’t Drink

A new study of London drinking establishments claims that those forgoing booze as part of “Dry January” are being charged as much as £4.50 for lime and soda.
Phoebe Hurst
London, GB
Photo via Flickr user Soon Koon

If the skepticism of health experts and pleas of your Chardonnay-swigging friends haven't already put you off going booze-free as part of "Dry January": congrats. You're made of stronger stuff than all us weak-willed boozehounds over here with our double G&Ts and pleasingly fuzzy conversation.

But you may also be getting ripped off. A new study of London drinking establishments by alcohol support group Club Soda claims that those forgoing booze this month are being charged as much as £4.50 for a pint of lime and soda.

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READ MORE: This Health Expert Is Throwing Serious Shade on Dry January

According to Club Soda, while some pubs are giving away the cordial-based drink for free, others are selling it for the same price as a pint of lager. Non-drinker Rob Shepherd reported paying 40p for the beverage in one South London pub, only to be charged charged £3.50 for it at another of the capital's bars.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: "I was shocked. That is not much less than a pint of beer. At least with a cask ale you feel like you are getting your money's worth. It is enough to make you turn to drink. It is Dry January but I did not expect to be bled dry."

The newspaper also spoke to nationwide pub chain (and quality festive meal purveyor) JD Wetherspoon, who confirmed that in their outlets, soda is free and shot of lime cordial costs 40p, meaning a pint of the drink should cost 80p. A spokesperson added: "Prices are set by Wetherspoon. They may vary from region to region but not by much."

READ MORE: The Sober Bartender That Is Making One of New York's Most Inventive Cocktail Menus

While trusty old 'Spoons may be confident in its soft drink pricing, Club Soda's Laura Willoughby claimed that some pubs aren't even sure how to serve non-boozey beverages. She said: "The worst example was a bar so unused to serving soft drinks it randomly priced every lime and soda we had. There we paid from nothing to £2.50 a half pint."

Well, at least that keeps things interesting. If you're staying sober all night, you've got to find some way to entertain yourself.