Brulines' accuracy questioned in report

An independent report has raised concerns about the accuracy of Brulines' beer flow monitoring equipment.

The report, compiled by verification firm SGS, concluded the performance of the system and the way in which "volumes associated with line cleaning are determined" give "cause for concern".

It added: "Various meter and system tests demonstrate differences of such a magnitude that they give cause to question the overall accuracy of the measurements made.

"The determination of line cleaning volumes on cask beers is not based on any physical measurement which results in the potential for significant errors in the variance value."

The study, commissioned by anti-pubco group Fair Pint, also throws into question whether the system, used by pubcos to monitor beer sales, can differentiate between water and beer.

Following tests at the Eagle Ale House, in South London, run by Fair Pint's Simon Clarke, the report concluded: "Although the tests were very simple in nature, they clearly demonstrate that the meter cannot differentiate between the types of liquid passing through it and that there are significant differences between the actual volume dispensed and that indicated by the Brulines flow metering system."

Interestingly, MP Peter Luff, chairman of the Business, Innovation and Skills committee that criticised Brulines in a hard-hitting report on pub companies, was present at the Eagle Ale House during part of the testing.

SGS said it also carried out "in house testing" of the flow meter equipment at its laboratory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

The GMB union, which released the report today, said it has been sent to the Business, Innovation and Skills committee.

Brulines was unavailable for comment.

Earlier today the company, which has its equipment installed in more than 22,000 UK pubs, reported its finanical results saying trading in its core business had "remained resilient in an economic environment which continues to be challenging".