Wetherspoons shut down ‘urban myth’ around why its pints are so cheap

Pub chain Wetherspoons has finally shut down what it calls an ‘urban myth’ surrounding why its pints are so cheap.

The bargain pub chain is usually the first port of call for revellers looking to get a bit tipsy without breaking the bank before heading on to the club.

Party animals choose ‘Spoons so they can enjoy reasonably priced pints, mixers, pitchers and shots, of whatever their tipple of choice may be, to get them all fired up for the dance floor.

But over the years, pub-goers have speculated the reasons as to why the drinks are so cheap compared to many of its competitors.

It’s been claimed the reason for this is that Wetherspoons buys huge batches of ales and lagers that are nearing their sell-by date, so they can sell it on at a discounted rate.

According to rumour, ‘Spoons allegedly then sells this rapidly to its thirsty customers, who can then enjoy a few bevvies at a cheaper rate.

However, after all this time, Wetherspoons has finally had enough of this claim, calling it a mere ‘urban myth’ and ‘ludicrous fairytale’.

Wetherspoons is also threatening to sue any publication that repeats the claim and has explained in its magazine how they offer cheaper drinks.

It said the chain was able to sell cheap pints due to longer opening hours, while agreeing long-term supply contracts with partners and accepting ‘lower operating margins’.

According to the Daily Mail, the magazine article – which did not have an author byline – raged against a user of the website Quora for airing the ‘nonsense’ claim.  

The article read: “The ludicrous fairytale that Wetherspoon sells beer which is close to its sell-by date has never appeared in print, but was seen on a website called Quora, posted by a ‘Brian Martin’.

“Had the Quora/Google allegation appeared in a newspaper (it never has), there would have been grounds for legal action for defamation.”

The article continued: “Wetherspoon has five to 10-year contracts with its main beer suppliers which, unsurprisingly, do not allow for ‘short-dated beer’.

“Indeed, also unsurprisingly, neither Greene King/Budweiser nor their competitors have ever offered Wetherspoon short-dated beer. Sorry to disappoint the conspiracy theorists.

“Wetherspoon also opens for longer hours than most pubs and sell food for prolonged periods – normally until 11pm.

“High sales of a wide range of products and long-term relationships with suppliers are some of the key factors.”