The increase in alcohol tax will not deter Britons from going to their local, according to hospitality recruiters.

The Chancellor increased alcohol taxes by 2% from midnight yesterday , putting the price of the average pint up 1p, but Gary King, director at hospitality recruiter Collins King Associates, says he did not think the move would affect the great British pub.

“I don’t think it will affect business. It is a minimal increase. In a recession, people tend to drink more. It is just a way for the government to bring in extra income.”

Jacqui Sterry, managing director at Mise en Place, adds: “I don’t think people will begrudge paying an extra penny and help pay off the debt. People probably are drinking more.”