CAMRA fights on for full pint

Pub-goers will join the fight for a compulsory 100 per cent liquid pint when a major new consumer initiative is launched by the Campaign for Real Ale...

Pub-goers will join the fight for a compulsory 100 per cent liquid pint when a major new consumer initiative is launched by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) next week.

The controversial initiative will include a variety of posters and information to increase awareness of the issue among drinkers and so step up pressure on the Government to act.

But the trade is concerned pub-goers will not be told that the introduction of a full pint law could lead to a more expensive pint as licensees struggle to cover the cost of new lined glassware and wasted beer.

Consumer group CAMRA has long been a supporter of introducing full pint laws and is taking advantage of its popular National Winter Ales festival, which opens next Thursday (January 24), to launch its campaign.

Details of the initiative are being kept under wraps by the group until its official launch, however, a spokesman for CAMRA said it would include new research conducted by the group.

The campaign will also include four posters which will be used at beer festivals as well as in some pubs, a pledge card for campaign supporters and a website petition similar to that used by the group in its support for Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries during Pubmaster's failed takeover bid.

CAMRA's campaign follows research unveiled by the group in November last year which revealed that 77 per cent of voters would back the introduction of full pint laws.

It also found that just four per cent of voters would not support such a law.

The research was used as the basis for a controversial campaign by MPs to force licensees to serve a full pint.

A commons motion was tabled, sponsored by Labour MP Joan Walley, which read: "We consider that when ordering a pint measure, beer and cider drinkers should receive a full liquid pint without having to ask for a top up."

The Government gave its support to full pint laws in December 2000 but the idea was shelved after a leading Government body described it as "ludicrous".

The Better Regulation Task Force also warned the law was disproportionate to the number of consumer complaints about short measures.

The majority of the trade is against the introduction of full pint laws, which could cost the industry as much as £500m in new glassware and overfilling, and could increase the price of a pint.

The British Beer and Pub Association issues guidelines for publicans which suggest that a minimum 95 per cent liquid pint, with top ups on demand, should satisfy customers.

The Government has not yet set a timetable for any introduction of the proposals.

CAMRA's National Winter Ales festival takes place at Upper Campfield Market, Deansgate, Manchester, from January 24 until January 26.

Related stories:

Full pint back on the agenda (29 November 2001)

Government breaks liquid pint promises says CAMRA (5 June 2001)

Industry full pint research may sway liquid pint debate (2 May 2001)

Europe delay hits full-pint proposal (19 April 2001)

Full-pint protesters head to Number 10 (23 March 2001)

Labour is split over pint issue (19 March 2001)

Despite many previous attempts, the 100 per cent liquid debate goes on (14 March 2001)

Full pint law may finish handpumps (29 January 2001)

Full pint law faces the axe (22 January 2001)