Madonna and Guy Ritchie's London Pub Investigated Over Price

Fri, 08 August 2008 23:25:22 ET

Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie's London pub The Punchbowl is being investigated over claims it is charging tourists and locals different prices.

While marriage-on-the-rocks rumors surrounding Madonna and hubby Guy Ritchie were apparently dying down, the two are being hit with another serious problem. Their London pub The Punchbowl is facing a probe over claims it is charging tourists and locals different prices.

The problem started after one complainant, Brian Richardson, claimed a staff had admitted to having separate prices when he protested about the price of his pint of beer. He said that he was charged 3.90 pound sterling for a pint instead of the usual 3.50 pound sterling. And the barman told him they charged more to people they didn't recognize.

Brian has come to protest of the price fixing since he apparently was charged the 'tourist' rate, despite having used the pub for 12 years. "On Monday I paid 3.50 pounds for a pint, now all of a sudden it's 3.90 pounds. I was shocked. I complained to staff. They have got two prices - regulars prices and non-regulars prices. There is no price list on the wall. I don't mind paying more but it is completely arbitrary. It is not the money, it is the price hike. It is outrageous," he stated.

Furthermore, Brian's friend Andy Kneller revealed, "When Brian realised how much he was paying he disputed it. There are no signs anywhere. We know the governor. He did say we have prices for regulars and prices for people who don't come here very often. He dropped himself in it." Meanwhile, Sue Jones, head of trading standards said, "In light of these allegations we will be seeking to make contact with the landlord. This may well constitute unfair trading procedures and this is something the council would look into."

On the other hand, assistant manager Henry Heaton denied there was a policy to offer drinks at different prices, but then apologized for the errors. "That should not be the case and it won't be the case. As far as I am aware there is no change (in price). There is no difference. There is the old way of doing things and the new way of doing things. Everyone should be paying the same," he explained.

The Punchbowl is now facing an official investigation by Westminster council. Madonna and Guy reportedly spent 2.5 million pound sterling on the pub, which is located in Farm Street. They bought it in February from their friend Greg Foreman, the son of gangster Freddie Foreman. It is believed that the couple now have a 20 percent stake in the pub.

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