This Is Guernsey

Enjoying their cheaper drinks at the Ex-Service are, from the left, Della and Hughie Brush and Colin Smith. (0547107)

PRICE hikes on alcohol have boosted membership applications for the Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

It has some of the lowest prices in Guernsey and with drink set to go up by about 4% from today, some members expect to see more people wanting to join.

‘It’s already happening,’ said postal worker Steve Rodger, 46. ‘I do feel sorry for publicans at the moment. I was in the industry for years and I can understand the hardship pubs face. There’s only so much money to go round and if people can’t drink cheaply, they will go elsewhere or stay at home.’

The most recent rise in prices, due to the increased cost in raw materials, malted barley and hops, will see a pint of lager rise to about £2.90 is some pubs. The same drink will cost between £1.75-£1.90 in the members-only club.

Only six people can be accepted every month and there is a £30 fee for the first year, which reduces to £15 thereafter.

But one customer said what he had spent on membership, he saved on drink in just a few nights.

‘I’ve only been a member for the last year, but I’ve saved loads of money by not going into Town and if more people join, then the more the merrier,’ said plasterer Steve Jeffries, 34.

One customer said the success of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club was not being repeated at all members’ clubs. Colin Smith is also a member of the Royal British Legion Northern Branch and he said membership there was dwindling.

The Ex-Servicemen’s Club has the advantage of owning its own premises, reducing outgoings and putting it in a stronger financial position then other clubs, he said.