A major pub group with more than 30 outlets across Kent has revealed plans to charge customers around 20p more for a pint of beer at some of its locations during the busiest periods.

Stonegate, which owns chains including Slug & Lettuce and Yates, says its new “dynamic pricing” system is needed to cover rising costs.

The company says it is raising prices at 800 of its venues during peak times, such as evenings and weekends – but it is not yet clear how many, if any, in Kent will be affected.

Staff at one of Stonegate’s pubs, The Penny Theatre in Canterbury, told KentOnline it will not be among those impacted by the changes.

Customers are being informed of the price hike with “polite notices” in the company’s pubs which are affected, informing them of the need to raise prices “to cover extra staffing costs, more bouncers at the door, extra cleaning, washing glasses, and complying with licensing requirements”.

Stonegate has previously used a similar pricing strategy during one-off events, such as World Cups, but has now decided to introduce price variance on a more regular basis.

Dynamic pricing, often known as surge pricing, is a common feature of other industries, such as aviation and taxi-hailing apps, where airlines charge more for tickets during the school holidays.

‘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….’

But Jonathan Neame, the boss of Kent’s biggest brewer Shepherd Neame, which has more than 300 pubs across the county and south London, says it is not a pricing tactic he will be using.

Stonegate has more than 30 outlets in Kent, among its 4,500 venues nationwide.

A Stonegate Group spokeswoman, said: “Like all retail businesses, we regularly review pricing to manage costs but also to ensure we offer great value for money to our guests.

“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.

“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.”

The chief executive of another of Britain’s big pub chains, who asked not to be named, told The Guardian that the practice is not unusual and has been “going on for decades”, in the largest venues, during events and busy periods.