Beer drinkers 'short-changed' on pints

PUBS are 'short-changing' beer drinkers by serving them pints with up to 10 per cent froth and only 90 per cent beer, according to a new survey, writes David Nicholson-Lord.

The cost to customers, estimated nationally at pounds 225m, is an average of 6p a pint. The Government had promised to bring in rules enforcing a full liquid pint by next April, but is now reviewing its pledge after protests from the brewing industry, which claims it could add 6-7p to the cost of a pint.

A survey by trading standards officers in Liverpool found that 98 per cent of pints served were short of the mark by as much as 10 per cent. Most pubs used brim glasses which leave little room for a full liquid pint plus a head.