CAMRA goes on full pint attack

Nine out of 10 pints served in the UK's pubs contain less than 100 per cent liquid, according to consumer group the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

CAMRA, which launched a major new campaign for a compulsory 100 per cent liquid pint last week, is calling on the Government to honour its 1997 election pledge and make it compulsory for licensees to serve 100 per cent liquid.

Its new research, which was revealed at the launch of the campaign, claims 10 per cent more pints are now being served with less than 100 per cent liquid, compared to 1997, when the last survey took place.

The research, which is based on information from trading standards officers in 21 local authorities, also discovered that:

• 89.4 per cent of pints contain less than 100 per cent liquid
• more than one in four pints (27.7 per cent) contain less than the industry's guidelines of 95 per cent liquid
• pubs which already serve 100 per cent liquid pints are generally cheaper on average than those which do not guarantee full pints.

Pub-goers have been involved in the initiative for the first time. At last week's National Winter Ales festival, CAMRA issued four posters to pass the message on to drinkers (see picture)​.

The posters will feature at 145 beer festivals across the country and will be backed up by 100,000 postcards which drinkers will be asked to fill in and send to their MPs.

The trade has objected to a full pint law saying it could lead to higher prices as licensees seek to cover the cost of new glassware and wasted beer.

But CAMRA said pub surveys in seven regions showed a full pint costs £1.72 on average, while a non-guaranteed 100 per cent pint costs an average of £1.86. Mike Benner, head of campaigns, said: "Industry bodies have persistently objected to legislation to ensure full pints claiming it would lead to higher prices for consumers.

"The truth is that pubs set their prices based on a number of different factors, which is why the same brand is priced differently in different pubs.

"Our research stamps out the myth that full pints mean higher prices.

"Drinkers are charged per pint and they should get exactly that, 100 per cent liquid."

But the initiative has been rubbished by the British Beer and Pub Association.

Spokesman Mark Hastings said: "If CAMRA is having to campaign to raise consumer awareness, it emphasises what we have been saying - drinkers aren't bothered."