Short pint report triggers trade backlash

Accusations that pubs are ripping off customers by serving short pints has sparked outrage from the trade.

A new report published this week by the National Audit Office estimated that the pub trade could be making millions by serving short pints. This has prompted press reports claiming that "unscrupulous" licensees are cheating customers out of £250m a year.

The "Regulation of Weights and Measures" report comes only a year after the pub industry agreed a 95 per cent liquid minimum rule with the Department of Trade and Industry. Licensees feared that if a compulsory full pint was introduced it would be unworkable, expensive and confusing for customers.

The British Beer & Pub Association has called the accusations "ridiculous". Spokeswoman Karen Kelshaw said: "We have an agreement with the government on its suggestion that 95 per cent liquid is the way to go forward.

"Consumers are happy with their beer being served with a head. If people are not happy they are entitled to ask for a full pint."

Only last month Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries was forced to withdraw the full pint initiative in 200 of its managed pubs because it was unworkable. New style dispense systems, branded 20oz glasses from brewers and the inability to get over-sized glasses were making the initiative impossible to operate.

Derek Andrews, head of Pathfinder, the managed arm of Wolverhampton & Dudley, said: "It is a legal requirement to serve no less than 95 per cent liquid and we meet that requirement every time. Operators are complying with the legislation and people are getting a fair deal."

But JD Wetherspoon was fined £5,000 last month for serving short pints in its pub in Gateshead. The company, which had championed the cause of the full pint, had to withdraw oversized glasses in October 1998 because consumers were confused and believed that they were not receiving a full measure.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) supports the report and has called for the modernisation of weights and measures legislation. Head of campaigns and communications Mike Benner said: "It's quite clear that new legislation is needed to protect Britain's 15 million beer drinkers from short measures in pubs. The current system of self-regulation has failed and consumers are paying through the nose for beer they are not receiving.

"The National Audit Office report is a welcome step forward and we now need to see action in the form of legislation."

Short measures: the history​

March 1995:​ Consumer group CAMRA urges action over short measuresJanuary 2001:​ Trade leaders warn that a full pint law could mean the end of traditional handpumpsFebruary 2002:​ CAMRA's campaign reaches the House of Commons after it launches a series of posters encouraging pub-goers to get involvedMarch 2002:​ Ministers say they are minded to introduce a 95 per cent minimumNovember 2002:​ Consultation ends but the industry is still awaiting an official announcement.

What do the drinkers think?​

• "I don't mind if I get a large head on my bitter - it's what you expect," said Peter Lemorvan from Croydon. "Sometimes if you order a Guinness it's a bit too big, but I just ask for a top up. I don't think publicans try and rip people off."

Sarah Jones from North London, said: "The only time I've asked for a top up in a pub was when they were using bigger glasses. It was embarrassing.

Alan Mason of Addiscombe, Surrey, said: "I don't mind if I get a head on my beer - it's only a mouthful after all. If it's really short I just ask for it to be topped up and never have any problems."

"If I get a short pint when it's busy I usually don't ask for more," said Alistair Nadar, who's from East Croydon. "When I have asked, barstaff are generally fine about it. I wouldn't drink in a place if they were moody about giving me a top up."

Steve Smith, of Hove in Sussex, said: "I don't find short pints a problem on the whole. I don't think it's an issue."

Related articles:​

Wolverhampton & Dudley drops full-pint from 200 managed pubs (26 February 2003)

Trade wins fight against 100 per cent liquid pint (18 March 2002)