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Wetherspoons' boss Tim Martin pledges to reduce beer prices in event of no-deal Brexit

16:44, 15 February 2019

updated: 19:12, 15 February 2019

The boss of Wetherspoons has pledged to reduce his beer prices in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Ardent Brexiteer Tim Martin made the promise during a visit to Deal's Sir Norman Wisdom today.

Speaking to KentOnline, he said: "If we have a no-deal Brexit, I'll put the price of beer down!"

The revelation came just hours after his appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain where he clashed with Remainer Terry Christian.

The broadcaster was arguing that if a company has to sack workers because of a weakened pound, workers who voted for Brexit should be laid off first.

It led to a more broad debate on Britain's exit from the European Union where Mr Christian gibed if he was the boss of Wetherspoons, he too would want a no deal Brexit.

“Great for Wetherspoons, he can sell more cheap booze," he said.

Chairman Tim Martin rated his visit to the Deal establishment 10/10
Chairman Tim Martin rated his visit to the Deal establishment 10/10

But the businessman, who founded JD Wetherspoon in 1979, hit back saying it was "nonsense".

He said: “If I was selling a loaf and it was a bit mouldy and stale people would buy it if they’re poorer."

But the fiery exchange, which hit national headlines, didn't get in the way of Mr Martin's work as he pressed on with plans to visit five of his pubs on Friday.

He travelled by high-speed train to Deal's Queen Street establishment - which opened in March 2013 - rating his drop-in 10/10.

JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin outside Sir Norman Wisdom in Deal
JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin outside Sir Norman Wisdom in Deal

He said: "Very good call in Deal today, very nice pub, it's quite wacky decor but it works really well.

"Quite a lot of long serving staff today; Lizzie, who's worked for the company for 15 years; Karen, six years, Pete; two years. So that's always good.

"Checked out a couple of the beers. I had Rail Head which was very good quality so I'm not complaining.

"10/10 to the Sir Norman Wisdom in Deal."

Before leaving, he reaffirmed his views on Brexit.

He said: "I think Brexit will do well provided we don't sign away our rights in a deal and take sensible decisions afterwards.

"A big advantage of a no-deal Brexit would be we save £39 billion.

The pub chain's boss says he'll reduce the price of beer in the event of a no-deal Brexit Picture: Wetherspoon PR
The pub chain's boss says he'll reduce the price of beer in the event of a no-deal Brexit Picture: Wetherspoon PR

"We can eliminate tariffs on oranges, rice and lots of other things and we can regain control of fishing. All those things helps.

"We'll be happy ever after!"

When asked if he had plans to change the price of beer following Britain's departure, he said, "I'll put the price down".

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