DTI due to rule on 100 per cent liquid pint

The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) is due to rule on whether licensees will be forced to serve a 100 per cent liquid pint.

A spokeswoman for the DTI confirmed this week that consultation with consumers and the trade has now been concluded and said a report was due out in the next few weeks.

She refused to speculate on whether competition minister Melanie Johnson (pictured)​, who is in charge of the report, would propose the enforcement of a full pint law or not.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is heading up calls for a legal 100 per cent liquid pint. It claims that the campaign is gaining ground with widespread support from MPs and members of the public.

The consumer group believes the Government should honour its 1997 election promise and introduce full pint legislation.

A spokesman said: "Naturally we are very confident that the DTI will support our proposal for 100 per cent liquid. Our national full pint campaign has gained great support from the British drinker with thousands of people sending CAMRA's full pint postcards back to their MPs and the DTI."

But the trade claims a law would be unworkable and drive up the cost of a pint. Licensee Stephen Tasker has launched an anti-full pint campaign, with the backing of fellow licensees.

He said: "If they bring in a full pint law it will probably kill us. We'll definitely have to put prices up. I received another letter this morning from another licensee who supports my campaign."

The British Beer and Pub Association agrees a law needs to be introduced but wants the trade's guidelines of a 95 per cent liquid pint, with a top-up if necessary, put into legislation.

Related stories:​

CAMRA's full pint campaign continues to gather pace (4 March 2002)

Licensee's full pint fight is gaining support (26 February 2002)

CAMRA faces pint challenge from licensee forming own group (7 February 2002)

CAMRA's pint row reaches House of Commons (1 February 2002)

CAMRA goes on full pint attack (25 January 2002)

CAMRA fights on for full pint (17 January 2002)