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The Thoughts of Chairman Mick
by Mick Lewis
You've obviously noticed by now that the name of this newsletter is the Full Pint. When we were originally looking for a title we decided on this as CAMRA was campaigning for a pint to be 20 fluid ounces of liquid - the same as any other drink. And when the Government seemed to agree with us, we thought that we'd won the argument.
Unfortunately, we were wrong and the Government has now said that 95% of a pint is acceptable. Try paying only 95% of your Income Tax and see what response you get. After all, what's good for the Goose etc.
I am absolutely sick to death of having to ask for a top-up when I regularly get served up to two inches of froth. So far, I've had no problems getting a top-up, but I know of others that have. But the following story should be heeded by all pubs, as well as the ever-smiling Mr Blair: in 1998, the Fates and Firkin pub in Bradford was prosecuted by local Trading Standards after two pints had been served that were deemed to be short measures. At the time, there was a relief manageress in charge, and Bradford magistrates ruled that the pub owner - Allied Domecq Leisure - was guilty of the offence, and they were fined. Allied, however, appealed on the grounds that it was too far removed from what had happened and could not be legally responsible. Two High Court judges agreed, and the company was found not guilty. But, no doubt to the surprise of the company, Lord Justice Sedley stated that if a foaming head resulted in less than a pint being served, then an offence had automatically been committed. So, if a pint is not supplied, there is no onus on the customer to ask for a full measure as an offence has been committed before a top-up has been requested.
So where does this leave us? It seems clear to me that although this case does not set a precedent, Tony Blair is telling all pubs that they can break the law. Unlike the new dope laws, you haven't even got "three pints and your out". Just ask yourself one thing, if pubs aren't giving you short measure in the first place, would they be happy to give you a top-up. Of course they bloody wouldn't! Don't let them get away with it. Don't bother with a top-up, refuse to pay, walk out and report them to Trading Standards. And don't forget to quote the above case.
Mick Lewis
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 17.
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