The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) today released sobering figures showing that a quarter of all pints served in the UK contain less than 95 per cent of a full measure - at an estimated annual cost of £481m to punters.

The campaigning organisation's "The Full Pints" survey used figures from a sample group of 25 local authorities gleaned between December 2004 and January 2007. It revealed that "a shocking 26.6 per cent of all pints served are over five per cent short measure" and highlights the case of "the worst example" which fell 13 per cent short of a full satisfaction.

CAMRA supremo Mike Benner thundered: "It is a disgrace that up to a quarter of all pints served in the UK are less than 95 per cent liquid when the consumer is paying for a full pint every time. Labour had promised to introduce legislation to end this unfair practice 10 years ago and the continuing cost to beer drinkers from the Government's inaction has now run into billions of pounds."

Accordingly, CAMRA has launched an online petition aimed at forcing a change of the current law which means "you may only receive a pint 90 per cent full" and deprives thirsty Brits of an estimated £1.3m* per day. ®

Bootnote

*Yes, that's a lot of wonga - greater even than the average Vulture Central lunchtime "editorial meeting" bar bill.

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