‘Pint police’ could fine pubs $220K for underpouring
Australian pubs could potentially be hit with a $220,000 fine if they are caught under-pouring drinks.
Patrols around Australia have already begun with trade measurement inspectors from the National Measurement Institute (NMI), dubbed the ‘pint police’, patrolling hundreds of licensed premises and venues serving drinks that have been inaccurately measured risk a maximum fine of $220,000.
Trading practices and the impact of inaccurate measurements on profits will be tested and venues will be monitored for a week to make sure patrons are getting what they paid for.
“For many businesses, it's been a tough couple of years. Where businesses are re-establishing after long lockdowns or natural disasters, audits will give assurance that their instruments are still compliant,” Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said.
“We are also ensuring our inspectors have up to date information on the range of government assistance that is available to businesses.”
NMI's National Compliance Plan 2021-22, will see plain-clothes inspectors travel to 320 bars, clubs, restaurants and breweries for compliance checks.
August 2019 was the last major audit where it was found that almost 30 per cent of venues weren’t pouring their drinks accurately.
It also found four per cent of alcohol dispensers were under-pouring.
There is good news for venue owners, with the Federal Government expected to announce a 50 per cent cut in draught beer tax in the upcoming budget.
This means the price of a schooner at the bar will cost around 35c less, Sky News reported.
Irit Jackson, 23rd March 2022
