Aussie Pubs Face $220,000 Fines If They're Caught Not Pouring Pints Correctly

If you’ve ever felt like your drink was under poured, you’re in for a treat as venues could now face a $220,000 fine if caught pouring their pints incorrectly.

Undercover staff from the Australian government department named the National Measurement Institute (NMI) will disguise themselves in plain clothes to monitor if venues are pouring the right amount.

The stealth measurement inspectors, who are being dubbed the 'pint police' started their audit this week.

Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the program is designed to ensure that customers are served what they paid for instead of being ripped off by venues.

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“It’s important that consumers are getting what they have paid for,” she said.

“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.

“We are also ensuring our inspectors have up to date information on the range of government assistance that is available to businesses.” 

CEO of the Hotels Association, Paddy O’Sullivan, said he isn’t interested in exploiting his customers, especially in a post-lockdown world where loyalty is vital for businesses thriving.

He told 3AW: “Customers vote with their feet and now is not the time to short-change the customer.

"As you recover out of COVID, customers are king… If a customer feels they’re not getting their full value for money, pub customers are pretty keen in letting the publican know.”

The last alcohol measuring blitz conducted by NMI was in 2019, which found that 30 percent of licensed businesses were mismeasuring their drinks.

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The Licensed Premises Program is one of the National Concentrated Programs outlined in NMI’s National Compliance Plan 2021-22, focusing on 320 bars, clubs, hotels and breweries.

However, the program will not only make sure customers get aren't being short-changed; the audit also aims to ensure that businesses' trading practices are up to scratch and inaccurate measurements won't impact their profits.

And as prices for goods are gradually increasing as Australia faces its worst inflation rate in more than a decade, it’s nice to know we’ll be getting our money’s worth when it comes to pints.

Salut!