Beer Drinkers Be Warned!

Before 1698 beer was sold in all sorts of measures, but, an Act of Parliament, was passed that ruled that ale and beer could only be sold in pints or full quarts. (two-pints) In the 20^th century this was amended to include half and third pints although third pints are only normally only sold at beer festivals.

Now in its wisdom the Government has decided to relax the rules on pub glass sizes that will mean two-thirds of a pint will become a legal measure in bars and restaurants.

Some optimists hope the two-thirds of a pint measure will breathe new life into the failing beer industry by giving drinkers more choice for their drink size and others feel that it is more appropriate for some of the higher strength speciality beers that are now available in many pubs.

One bar owner was quoted as saying, "It's a lot of baloney. Pints and half-pints are more than enough, and the difference between a two-thirds pint and pint is only a mouthful. It will not give customers any extra choice, but just provide an extra burden on glassware."

Others have warned that drinkers may be cheated over which measure they are being served and say that in countries such as Norway and Sweden, the size of a large beer was reduced from 50cl to 40cl without some people realising. However, in Australia they already have the two thirds of a pint measure where it is known as a schooner and they seem to have been able to hold on to their drinking reputation alright.

Round the World different countries use many varied measures for selling beer. On the Continent the famous Stein has been standardized for a serving of beer at one litre or 33.8 fl oz and is down from the 19^th century Maßen that was up to 1.5 litres.

The British Pint is 20 imperial fluid ounces and is equivalent to 568.26 ml, whereas the U.S. Pint is 16 U.S. fluid ounces and is equivalent to only 473 ml.

Here in the U.K. it is only alcohol that has restrictions on serving sizes as there are no legally specified sizes for soft drinks. As a cola drinker I never know what measure I am going to get when I go up to a bar, because so many now have soft drinks on tap and serve them up in whatever size they decide, although of course the Landlords all scrupulously list the bar prices and measurements for all to see somewhere on the bar! I wonder if beer will be served in a similar manner in time to come? Drinking Darts Players be warned!