Trade wins fight against 100 per cent liquid pint
The trade has won its fight against a compulsory 100 per cent liquid pint.
The Government announced today (Monday) it has dismissed proposals to legalise a 100 per cent pint, and is instead to introduce a legal 95 per cent liquid pint.
The news has been welcomed by the trade, which has been fighting full pint proposals, for many years.
But consumer group the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has criticised the Government's move, claiming it would be "legalising short measures".
Trade and Industry secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "Pulling a pint is not a precise science but at the moment the worst offenders are consistently giving consumers a short measure. This change will give consumers value for money."
The trade has fought plans to legalise a 100 per cent liquid pint with claims a law would cost millions of pounds in new glassware and wasted beer.
The Department for Trade and Industry agreed and said changing glasses would cost the pub and brewing industry £95m.
Mark Hastings, spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which led the trade campaign against a compulsory 100 per cent liquid pint, said: "This debate has been going on for 25 years and it is really very pleasing that in the end it has been resolved in the best interests of the industry and the consumer."
The BBPA has always recommended that publicans serve a minimum of 95 per cent liquid and give top-ups on request.
But Mike Benner, spokesman for CAMRA, said: "The Labour Party has been promising a full pint since 1997 and now appears to be bowing down to big business and sticking two fingers up at Britain's 15 million beer drinkers."
The Government will now consult on the proposed changes to the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988. It is expected to go before Parliament before the summer recess.
Related stories:
BBPA rubbishes CAMRA's full pint support claim (15 March 2002)
DTI due to rule on 100 per cent liquid pint (07 March 2002)
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)
