'Two-thirds pints are being shunned'

Pubs and pub goers have shunned the two-third pint glasses, says research from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

In an online poll of 300 CAMRA members 77% said they had not seen a pub which has sold two-thirds pint measures since the law was introduced on 1 October.

While 45% said they wanted more ­landlords to offer schooners and 43% did not. Of those surveyed 52% said they thought the two-thirds pint measure will encourage more consumers to try different real ales, particularly those of a higher ABV (alcohol content).

Of those who wanted more two-thirds pint measures at the bar one said it “Makes it easier to moderate drinking” while another indicated “Some ales are better supped in less than pints”.

Jonathan Mail, CAMRA head of public affairs, said: “It appears British beer drinkers remain in two minds about this new two-thirds pint measure, and this uncertainty is reflected by publicans, very few of whom have taken on the new glassware since the beginning of October.

"Although introducing a two-thirds pint measure may give beer drinkers greater choice at the bar in the long term, more pressing issues such as successive beer duty and VAT increases on the price of a pint continue to be overlooked by the Government, with many valued pubs closing as a result.”