I’m reluctantly lifting my pub’s ban on half pints and soft drinks – but with strict rules and even steeper prices

A GRUMPY pub owner is reluctantly lifting his ban on the sale of half pints and soft drinks.

John Bittles outright refused to add fizzy drinks to his menu and any Guinness pours smaller than a full pint some two years ago.

The Belfast-based landlord has since changed his ways after revelling in tourists and visitor’s sufferings for long enough.

Despite being music to the ears of those who prefer shorter beverages, a half-pint will now cost just 85p less than a full one.

The eye-watering price tag of Bittles’ half pints in one of the capital’s smallest pubs is £4.95.

And the change of heart is thanks to the influx of cruise ships docking in the port right next to his tiny establishment.

John told Metro: “Touristy people especially are coming looking for a half pint, so I’ve worked out what I have to do to make it worth my while.”

He added some do decide to just order a full pint when they realise the cost.

But many are happy to pay for the half because they’re “not pint-drinking people, they are more half-pint people”.

John previously made a sign stating “No coke drinkers” – with customers being refused a soft drink – before lifting the ban.

However, strict conditions still apply.

Bittles is only allowing the sale of pop if the buyer is with someone ordering an alcoholic drink.