Trading Standards Institute backs 100 per cent pint

The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) has backed calls from MPs to ensure customers are served a full pint of beer each time they order at the bar. Chris Howell, TSI spokesman on weights and measures, said pubs in the UK sold about 200 million more pints a year than they purchased from breweries and wholesalers.

He said: "This is a clear indication that pints are routinely being sold 'short' - while trade interests argue that the frothy air which makes up the difference is the traditional 'head' beloved by many drinkers."

The news comes as a blow to the industry as last year it 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.

Caroline Nodder, spokesperson for the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: "This is a classic example of red tape with a call for unnecessary legislation. We already have the 95 per cent rule and if any customer has a complaint about a pint licensees know to fill it if necessary with no questions asked."

But the Campaign for Real Ale, the organisation that is fully behind the drive for a full pint, has welcomed the issue back into the spotlight.

A spokesman said: "CAMRA remains fully committed to the full pint campaign and believes that the consumer should be given, on average, a pint that is 100 per cent liquid.

"The most important thing is to secure legislation which defines a pint of beer, or cider, as 100 per cent liquid."

John Pascoe at the Swan, Little Totham, Essex also supported the move. "I use the 22 and the 24 ounce glasses and have done for nearly eight years. I do it so the customer gets a full pint of liquid and the presentation of the head is nice. I also do it to stop the beer being spilled."

Vote!​