Scottish drinkers may not always get what they pay for according to trading standards officers who found 45% of drinks tested did not measure up.
Officers surveyed pubs across the country as part of Fair Measure Fortnight and the results were varied to say the least.
It is a matter of concern that just over 10% of measures tested were completely accurate.Ken Daly, Chairman of Trading Standards in Scotland
193 pubs visitedOfficers from 25 Scottish local authorities were involved in the investigation last month, and a total of 193 pubs were visited.
Of 343 samples purchased, only 39 were on target while 155 were found to be short.
Announcing the results, Ken Daly, Chairman of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) said: "This is a very disappointing outcome and the results certainly justify local authorities carrying out this sort of project.
The extremes of measures at both ends of the spectrum show that we need to work with the licensed trade to train staff to provide accurate measures to consumers"
Concern"It is a matter of concern that just over 10% of measures tested were completely accurate.
"For health and safety reasons as well as the obvious fair measure, Scottish consumers need to have confidence in the accuracy of measures of all types of alcohol that are supplied in licensed premises."
SCOTSS now intends to work with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association to resolve the issues.
Colin Wilkinson, secretary of the Scottish Licensed Trade
Association said: "The results of this survey emphasise the need for licensees and their staff to receive the proper training in all aspects of managing licensed premises.
"The Scottish Licensed Trade Association looks forward to working with Trading Standards to review and update existing training to make sure licensees' legal responsibilities are met."
What do you think is behind the Scottish findings? Drinks served from optics should be correct so is it the himble measures? Let us know what you think by clicking this link - please start your response 'Scottish drink measures'.
Your CommentsKen Nason via email 13/09/2006"Comment:What a hooha about nothing. Why is it always the licensed trade who are singled out for critisism in this matter?
Go to any supermarket and buy "fresh fruit" which has been gassed or iradiated to a point where it is inedible and tasteless and remains rock hard until 30 seconds before it rots in front of your eyes. Done a survey on that "con yet"
And while we are on the subject I for one feel that trading standards should seriously look into the criminal use of the advertised term" customer services" by companies who use it to frustrate all contact with customers after they have their money in their bank accounts.
So, there are many bigger villians out there that harm the public that deserve targetting and sorting out lon,g long before the licensees of this land."
Robert Feal-Martinez via email 13/09/2006"Perhaps it could have something to do with the fact that Scottish Pubs are struggling because of the smoking ban and are trying to get more from a bottle. I do not condone it but understand it."
Dave via email 13/09/2006"No surprise - I think licensees really neglect training of bar staff in these issues - if thats the case then they should use optics."