A new report from the National Measurement Institute (NMI) says undercover inspectors found around a third of pubs tested failed to pour a full serve of beer or another beverage.
The NMI utilises a small army of ‘secret shoppers’ to visit businesses such as pubs and grocery stores to test the accuracy of their measures and scales.
In October a beverage compliance blitz saw 436 licensed venues around Australia put through their paces.
Released last week, the NMI audit report’s preliminary findings showed 32 per cent of drinks served did not deliver the ‘correct’ amount, leading to 130 non-compliance notices issued by the regulator.
Common problems included the use of inaccurate measuring instruments, spillage, and unapproved non-standard glasses.
“Unfortunately, issues sometimes arise due to incorrect measuring devices and spillage — especially when things are busy at the bar,” offered a statement by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).
Over the weekend Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry & Innovation and Minister for Science, attended a press conference at the Reilly Group’s Sydney Park Hotel in Newtown, to discuss the report.
The take of the Minister – who himself once worked behind the bar at a pub in country NSW – says the outcome simply means publicans, staff and customers “all working together” for a fair shake.
“What it demonstrates is that everybody has got to keep working harder to make sure that Australian consumers get a fair pour at the pub.”
The Federal Albanese Government says it is committed to delivering cost-of-living relief, including at the pub courtesy of the promised two-year freeze on the alcohol excise it is pushing through parliament, which is the first time this has happened in 40 years.
The measures campaign, it says, is not about catching out pubs doing anything wrong, but emphasising the importance of standards, particularly in quantities of alcohol.
Ayres says they are working with both the AHA and operators to improve measures compliance, recognising pubs play a key role in society, allowing people to gather and share experiences and points of view.
“We’re doing this because it’s a good thing for Australians to get together, drink responsibly in pubs and clubs,” declared the Minister.
