West Ham United have continued to threaten legal action against the owners of London Stadium and Delaware North over the sky-high food and drink prices supporters are being charged.
The cheapest beer on offer for the first home game of the season, against Premier League champions Manchester City, was £7.30 – more than 30% more than the equivalent beverage at Tottenham Hotspur, priced at £5.19.
A row has ensued as West Ham attempt to bring prices down to an acceptable level, but drinks have been reduced by just 20p for Thursday night’s Europa Conference League play-off clash with Viborg FF.
In response, the club have issued a new statement reaffirming that more must be done for supporters – with legal proceedings the next step if a resolution can’t be found.
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West Ham’s official club statement
“West Ham United can confirm discussions are ongoing with London Stadium and Delaware North to reduce food and drink concession prices on matchdays,” a fresh statement read.
“In the interim period, food and beverage prices in all general admission areas at London Stadium will be reduced for tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League tie against Viborg FF, but not to the satisfaction of West Ham United. If the Club does not get a satisfactory resolution, it will commence legal proceedings against London Stadium.
“The food and beverage concession agreement clearly states that prices must not be greater than the mean average of equivalent prices charged at comparable clubs. Whilst we have made some progress, current prices do not reflect that. The Club will not rest until a satisfactory outcome is agreed for our supporters.”
A statement from London Stadium over feedback
“Following feedback from customers after the first game of the season we have been working closely with the club and reviewing the prices with our catering partner. From tonight [Thursday] this will result in a price reduction on many key products. The pre-match lowest price beer is £4.95 from £6, pies are back at the same price as last season at £5.50, a 50p reduction, and sausage rolls at £4.30, a reduction of 70p. In addition we are working to introduce a lower priced beer to our range as soon as possible, and certainly within the next fortnight.
“As with many goods and services the quality of the offer is different to other providers which means there can’t be a direct like for like comparisons in all cases. In other venues the club and/or sponsors also offer subsidies to the catering provider to reduce the price the fan pays. Considering all factors we are confident that we are delivering within our contractual requirements.
“London Stadium pays all staff London Living Wage and alongside our catering partner has invested in providing a quality service to those attending events.”