A Dublin cafe chain says they have no alternative but to increase their prices as inflation soars nationwide.

Copper and Straw operate three speciality coffee shops. Their first premises opened in Bray back in 2018 but has since expanded to both Aaron and Aston Quay.

The business confirmed on social media that price increases would come into effect from Monday, October 9. They apologised to their customers - but explained rising costs have left them with few other options.

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Management wrote on Instagram: "All of our costs – every single product we buy and service we use – has increased significantly in the last two years and, in many cases, those costs have increased four and five times. In addition to this, the Government increased the VAT rate from 9 per cent to 13.5 per cent on 1st September.

"Unfortunately, it's reached a point where it's no longer possible to continue absorbing these increases and we have to put up some of our prices."

Staff acknowledged that many customers were also feeling the pinch of spiralling costs. They encouraged cash-strapped customers to download their Squid loyalty app, which allows people to collect stamps with each transaction.

Additionally, customers who bring in a reusable cup can avail of 20 per cent off their drink order. Many people sympathised with the difficult decision underneath Copper and Straw's Instagram post.

One person wrote: "Fully understand, you have a small business. You guys are not the problem."

While another added: "I much prefer to see small businesses increase their prices, than continue to absorb the costs. It's a hard choice to make but well done for doing it."

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