Main pub chain to make pints dearer at evenings and weekends

Drinkers will likely be charged extra for a pint throughout busy durations at one among Britain’s largest chains.

Stonegate – which owns Slug & Lettuce and Yates’s bars – is introducing “dynamic” pricing, which is utilized by Uber and a few second-hand live performance ticket web sites.

The firm – which has 4,500 venues throughout the UK – has not revealed how a lot costs may go up, however one report prompt the worth of a pint is already 20p extra at its London bars on Saturdays and Sundays.

The expenses will likely be introduced in at 800 of its venues throughout peak instances, corresponding to evenings and weekends.

Patrons have been knowledgeable of the change with a “polite notice” in Stonegate pubs.

Stonegate informed Sky News: “This flexibility may mean that on occasions pricing may marginally increase in selective pubs and bars due to the increased cost demands on the business with additional staffing or licensing requirements such as additional door team members.”

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It pointed to what it says are widespread examples of dynamic pricing in hospitality.

The firm added: “Across the managed business our dynamic pricing encompasses the ability to offer guests a range of promotions including happy hours, two-for-one cocktails, and discounts on food and drink products at different times on different days throughout the week.”

The chief government of one other of Britain’s huge pub chains, who requested to not be named, informed The Guardian the observe is just not uncommon and has been “going on for decades” within the largest venues throughout occasions and busy durations.

“They’re not the only ones doing it,” he stated.

“To be honest, good for them that they’re telling people,” he stated – however added that the transparency could have backfired amid dismay on social media and destructive publicity.