Call that a pint? Trading standards investigate pub drinks measures

Amid sobering pub sales since the start of this year, hospitality businesses have enough crisis to contend with. Trading standards have recently been cracking down on drinks that don’t quite measure up. 

Last week, Oxfordshire County Council reported it carried out undercover inspections in Oxfordshire to check whether alcoholic drinks were being served in legally required quantities. Over half were found to be under the limit.

As the cost of living crisis rolls on, pubs and bars need to ensure their loyal customers don’t feel short-changed. That’s why it’s essential for staff to ensure they aren’t stinging drinkers with short pours.

Consumers left high and dry

Earlier this year, trading standards officers from Oxfordshire County Council posed as members of the public in pubs across Oxfordshire.

The team ordered wine, beer, and whisky at various establishments to check whether drinks were being served in the legally required measures. 

Of the drinks ordered, wine drinkers had the most to whine about. The officials found 12 out of 16 glasses of wine, or 75% of all drinks, were short pours. As well, one out of two shots of whisky were under the legal measure.

Beer drinkers will be relieved, as all of the pints ordered during the undercover inspection were found to be properly poured.

What are the standard measures for alcoholic drinks?

The Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988 sets out the legal serving sizes for beer, wine, and spirits in the UK. 

According to the law, draught beer and cider must be sold in 1/3, 1/2, or full pints—or multiples of half a pint — and the glass must be filled to the brim.

Spirits such as gin, rum, vodka, and whisky must be sold in 25ml or 35ml measures, or multiples of those. Wine can be served in 125ml or 175ml glasses, or multiples of those sizes. Fortified wines like port and sherry must be served in 50ml or 70ml measures, and multiples.

It’s essential that pubs comply with these exact measurements. If not, they risk breaching consumer protection laws.

To stay in the clear, staff can use measurement tools, commonly known as jiggers, to perfect their pours. While free pouring may look slick behind the bar, it often results in customers receiving less than they’ve paid for.

Why does it matter?

Hospitality businesses have been working hard to stay afloat amid the cost-of-living crisis and the fallout from the pandemic. 

With consumer spending already low, pubs, restaurants, and bars are feeling the knock-on effects. A rise in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and minimum wage has also made it more expensive for hospitality businesses to pay staff.

Loyal, local customers are essential in hospitality. With many businesses already having to raise prices or add extra charges to survive, maintaining patrons’ trust by offering them good value for money is vital for owners.

Jody Kerman, Head of Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council, added, “Many people across the county enjoy a pint or a glass of wine in the pub with friends. However, it’s not a cheap commodity, and the inspection showed that customers could be losing out if it’s not served correctly.”

It might not sound like much, but a 2.2% short measure on a £7.05 drink amounts to a 15p loss, which adds up in a few rounds. Beyond stretching wallets, short measures can also lead to customer complaints, negative reviews, or even regulatory penalties.  

Pub owners should carry out regular checks, invest in staff training, and ensure all measuring tools are properly calibrated to stay compliant with the law.