07 Dec 2000
Scotish beer drinkers need never have to complain about short measures again, thanks to new Government proposals to ensure that pub goers are not short-changed, Scottish Secretary John Reid said today.
Welcoming new proposals which will clear up the existing uncertainty and formalise voluntary guidance by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association, Mr Reid said:
"For far too long customers have been served "pints" that are nothing of the kind. One pint in five is short by more than 5 per cent and only one in five consumers actually receives a full pint. If you pay for a pint you should get a pint. I see no reason why measures of beer should be treated differently to any other product.
"Because the law is unclear, trading standards officers have been hampered in their efforts to ensure that beer and cider drinkers get their full measure. These proposals will put an end to uncertainty, and ensure that all consumers get a fair deal."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. Dr Kim Howells MP, Minister for Consumers at the DTI published proposals for clarifying the law on the definition of a pint of draught beer or cider. These are:
2. The proposal is for a two-year phase-in period. For most pubs the costs of compliance will be marginal. The proposals are mostly targeted at the minority pubs where there is significant short measure.
3. Voluntary guidance by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association advises licensees to serve not less than 95% liquid in brim measure glasses and 100% liquid in lined measure glasses or from metered dispensers.
4. Surveys by local authorities show that only one pint in five contains a full liquid measure, and that one pint in five is deficient by more than 5% liquid.