Almost half of consumers report being charged more for food and drink during busier times, according to research by Barclays.
The Telegraph reports that nearly half (47%) of 2,000 consumers polled by Barclays said they had noticed the prevalence of dynamic pricing among retailers, resulting in price rises during periods of peak trading.
The news follows last month’s announcement from Stonegate Group, which saw the pubco raising pint prices by 20p during busier times across 800 of its venues.
According to Stonegate, the extra charges were to cover the cost of hiring more door staff, additional cleaning, plastic cups, and “satisfying and complying with licensing requirements.”
Just under one-third of consumers surveyed, who noticed the practice, said they had experiences pubs and bars raising prices during evenings, weekends, and major sporting events.
Only 8% were willing to pay more to eat and drink out during times of peak trading.
Esme Harwood, director at Barclays, said: “Grocery spending tapered off over the summer, thanks to the long-awaited drop in food price inflation. Worryingly, growth sped up again in September, which could be an early warning sign that food prices may not come down as quickly as we’d hoped.
”Eagle-eyed shoppers have spotted more examples of ‘surge pricing’ and ‘shrinkflation’ and are becoming sceptical about the value of supermarket loyalty schemes. Consumers are also starting to pull back their spending in some nonessential areas so that they can put more money aside for the festive season.”
