THE COST of buying lunch or an evening pint for students has risen this semester, after Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA) approved price rises across it’s shops and venues.

Following years of stable prices, the cost of food and alcohol at student run venues in Edinburgh has risen, as part of an effort by the association to combat past deficits and balance expenses.

Many menu items in Teviot, Potterow and the Library Cafe are more expensive than they were this time last year, with an average price increase of ten per cent.

Drinks at the Library Bar are 30 pence pricier and coffee in the New Amphion costs 20 pence more.

Meal items have similarly increased.The price rises were approved and enacted by EUSA Vice President of Services Philippa Faulkner, who asserted that they were necessary in order to ensure the financial solvency of the student union.

While the menu prices have remained stable in the last few years, the EUSA balance sheets have not, she explained. Faulkner said: “We have been losing money in the last few years, I represent the students of Edinburgh, but I also represent the business end of EUSA, and when the business is running a deficit these measures are necessary.

”Faulkner attributed the budget shortfalls to rising supplier costs, which in turn are products of surging food prices worldwide.  The recent increase of the VAT in the UK has also put strain on EUSA finances and additional expenses incurred from attempts in the past year to increase service quality, including hiring new chefs, expanding the Library Bar kitchen and opening the Dome Café have also taken their toll.

The response to the price increase has been mixed. Last week Faulkner received several emails protesting at the £2 price of Coca-Cola, prompting the items’ cost to be lowered to £1.60.

However, third year Luke Mead told The Student: “Teviot is convenient for me—I don’t even really notice the prices."

Second year student Lucy Ellis added: “The allure of Teviot isn’t the food anyway. It’s the student events, societies and attractions that bring me here.”