Drinkers in Brighton and Hove say they are being ripped off by a "pink" tax in gay bars.

Some people feel exploited by the price of drinks, which are up to ten per cent higher than those in their non-gay equivalents.

A survey by The Argus revealed a pint of lager costs on average 20p more in a gay bar in the city.

The issue has been raised by the Gay Business Forum in the run-up to the Pride festival which will attract thousands of people and inject about £4 million into the city's economy.

Landlords today claimed the price hike reflected extra entertainment on offer inside but members of the city's gay community believe they are being charged a premium for their safety.

Members of the close-knit community are reluctant to speak out on-the-record but one told The Argus: "This is becoming quite an issue on the gay scene. It's now become the norm to increase prices to try to grab a little more of that elusive 'pink pound'.

"You can bet your bottom dollar the bars will say their venues are different from non-gay bars but let's face it, among Brighton's dual income, no children couples, there is no shortage of cash floating around."

The issue has become a topic for debate in the city's G-Scene magazine.

A letter writer, identified only as Adrian, said the scene was becoming a rip-off.

He said: "The gay scene in Brighton is exploiting those who come to visit gay Brighton or those gay people in Brighton who are still too fretful to frequent non-gay establishments."

Brighton and Hove city councillor Simon Williams said: "The pubs' argument would probably be that they are operating in a niche market and providing an extra service. They provide a safe, private place for gay people and have been very focused on their marketing."

Allan Love, owner of Kruze, said: "We provide a non-aggressive environment. Kruze is not a pub as such so it's a bit more expensive. If you go to the seafront there are some which are expensive. I think I'm on a par with a lot of them."

Brewers Mitchell and Butler own a string of bars in the city. But prices charged at Charles Street, its flagship gay venue, outstrip its other outlets.

It charges £2.80 for a pint of Carling - up to 50p more than in its other bars which include the Pavilion Tavern, the Pump House and The Font.

A spokesman said: "We believe Charles Street pricing is competitively positioned for the market in which it sits.

"Moreover our aim is to deliver great value as a package of environment, entertainment and service rather than simply being cheaply priced."

Kim Lucas, owner of the Candy Bar in Kemp Town, said: "I don't think gay bars charge more because they are gay bars. It depends on the service provided."

David Tuck, vice-chairman of Pride, said: "People drink where they want to drink. If they think it's too expensive they've got two legs and they can go somewhere else."

Meanwhile, larger chains are moving into the traditionally independent gay sector squeezing out smaller businesses which could lead to price rises.

Mr Love, of Kruze, said: "We're all struggling. It's all about how much you can buy the stock for and big companies have the edge."

Brighton and Hove city councillor Paul Elgood said: "The smaller independent pubs and bars, which are the lifeblood of the Brighton and Hove scene, are finding times very difficult at the moment - trade is lower. The local community should support the smaller independent outlets otherwise we will lose them."

Thursday August 05, 2004