bulletin from Suffolk Trading Standards
Today (10th December) is Lager Day! But do you know if you are getting a full pint?
The Weights and Measures Act 1985 controls the prescribed quantities that draught beers should be sold in, but there has always been a grey area over whether the head should be included as part of the pint.
Industry body the British Beer & Pub Association says a pint should contain a minimum of 95% liquid and 5% head. However, the guidelines also state: “Requests from customers for top-ups should be received with good grace and never refused, subject to avoiding spillage of liquid.”
At a glance, here are your pint rights:
- You’re entitled to a pint filled to the brim, or the line if your glass has one.
- You should get at least 95% liquid.
- If you don’t want up to 5% to be head, you can ask for a top-up.
So, if you are not satisfied, before taking a sip, you can pass your glass back to the server and ask for it to be topped up.
If you have any concerns about being short measured, you can report it to Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133