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According to a recent government report, many patrons at Australian pubs may be paying for drinks that fall short of the expected size.
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) discovered that 30% of the pubs inspected by undercover agents failed to deliver the promised drink sizes.
In October, inspectors conducted “secret shopper” assessments at 436 venues nationwide, evaluating whether beverages like pots, schooners, middies, pints, nips, shots, and glasses were accurately measured.
As a result of these evaluations, 130 non-compliance notices were issued, primarily due to the use of incorrect glassware and issues with spillage.
However, the NMI report emphasizes that 70% of pubs were indeed serving drinks in the correct sizes to their customers.
“The results show good compliance overall, with 84 per cent of measuring instruments accurate and 68 per cent of trial purchases delivering the correct amount,” the report.
The major shortcomings at non-compliant venues were inaccurate or unverified instruments, unapproved glassware or simple measures and pillage during pouring, meaning customers got less than they paid for.
Australian Hotels Association national chief executive Stephen Ferguson said the industry group recognised there were issues over non-compliance notices to “some venues regarding short pours”.
“The aim of every venue is to ensure our patrons receive the accurate amount for their beer or spirit – and pubs are working hard to do just that,” he said.
“Unfortunately, issues sometimes arise due to incorrect measuring devices and spillage – especially when things are busy at the bar.
“We are working with our membership to ensure we fix any short comings to ensure all patrons receive exactly what they have paid for.”
Sydney publican Brian McGettigan says the findings show some industry “rogue operators” were ripping off customers.
“The hotels industry by and far does an amazing job for customers and ensuring the training is right and the pints and the schooners and the wines are all poured correctly,” he told Today this morning.
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