>Pat Naughtin >British pubs, mostly, sell beer in 568 millilitre containers >that are mostly made from glass. There are a few that sell beer >in glasses (less than 5 % I think) that are made to hold >568 millilitres of beer; obviously these glasses actually hold more >than the 568 mL metric pint.
A UK government estimate in 1993 was that 25 % of licensees were using either metered dispensers or over-sized glasses. So 75% would be using the '1 pint to brim' containers. >most UK beer drinkers, after allowing for the froth, >receive close to 500 mL of beer and about 70 mL of froth. The UK government estimates that 80% exceed 95% (540 ml) of a UK pint (568 ml) of liquid. >However, in UK law, I don't know if there is a minimum amount >that must be served -- as long as it is served in a (568 mL) 'metric pint' glass. Beer does not have to be served in a pint to brim glass. It must be measured by some means and that is one option. As far as the amount is concerned, industry guidance is that a pint should be not less than 95% liquid after the collapse of the head. Courts have been reluctant to convict for a short measure that exceeds 90% (511 ml) liquid. I don't like the current law, or the frequency of short measure. However, it is not true to state that most UK beer drinkers get 500 mL of liquid. http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/consultpdf/beer2.pdf
