TODAY we have reported on the news that Brightonians are paying more for their beer than revellers in pretty much every other UK city, apart from London.

On the one hand, it can be bad news for the people of the city who enjoy a tipple or six.

It means that we would be paying a great deal more than drinkers in other cities.

Indeed only London is more expensive.

This could be putting a great strain on many public houses, particularly those that do not have a food offering.

>> Brighton is UK's second most expensive city for a pint

While a cut in beer duties might help, it is clear there is much more going on in the hospitality industry as a whole.

Our report on page 7 also shows something of a change in drinking habits among punters.

Some preferred to have a few cheap drinks from cans from the supermarket before going out, for example.

But others also pointed out that we have a Brighton premium.

The city has arguably kept its status as the prime seaside resort in the country.

It is the go-to place for a wide variety of tourists, be they from the LGBT community for Pride, mods and rockers, beachgoers, and even wealthy Londoners.

Yet outside the city centre, in the working communities of Brighton there is a real squeeze on our pubs, and punters who just want some refreshment.

Pubs are having to find new ways of reinventing themselves to attract punters.

Perhaps though, it really is worth paying the price if we can sit back and enjoy a craft beer with a beach view and a Brighton sunset, than supping a pint on a rainy night in Stoke.