DISQUS

Jeff Alworth · 1 year ago

Thanks for the link. One thing I'd add is that the legislative solution hasn't gotten even as far as a brainstorm session so far as I know (Oregon's next legislative session isn't until January '09). I think it's premature to say that Clem's proposal is to trigger an enforcement mechanism.

If we did seek a legal solution, my proposal would be state-certified glassware. That way, pubs could advertise their state-certified 18- or 20-ounce glasses. That would allow consumers to make their own judgment about places that didn't use certified glassware--effectively making it a market-based enforcement. (Imagine how many people would go to gas stations where a "gallon" was not a certified unit of measure.) It would save a lot of money and reward good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior.

Visitor · 1 year ago

In the modern world it makes sense that rather than waiting for government to create new sausage to regulate behavior we should rely on the wonders of the world wide web to get the message out. You can count on the fact that if enough folks protest, both vocally and by taking their business elsewhere, the vendors will get the message AND change their behavior.

That said, don't count on the fact prices won't be increased along the way. The only reason the glass is smaller is so the brewer wouldn't have to raise prices. Consider the packaging of just about everything, from corn chips to coffee to chocolate bars and you'll see the same phenomenon. Of course, folks reading this story care only about their beer. Count me in!

Brian · 1 year ago

Most bars do go through a lot of glass as part of doing business, but if I was running a pub I'd be mad if I had to replace all of my logo pints to get certified. The problem with allowing certs of existing stock, though, is coming up with an indelible way to mark the glasses with a cert mark... and finding enough state workers (or more expensive contracted workers) to visit every pub and mark every glass that they wanted certified. Watch that beaurocracy get folded into a tax increase on alcohol...

Seems like two things might work:

One, leave it entirely to grass-roots efforts like Beervana's, which would show up on review sites and blogs. Encourage restaurant reviewers to start carrying pint references when they visit pubs. Yelp, Beertown, etc are seen by a lot of enthusiasts, and it would probably have some small effect.

Two, make it one more thing the health inspector can ding you for. And make a profit-pour violation apply not just to the size of the glass, but to how much the bartenders put in it. An 18 oz glass with an inch of head on it is as much a problem as these mini glasses, and should be noted the same way.

Owen · 1 year ago

A "proper pour" is something like 17 or 18 ounces, and wouldn't fit in a US "pint" glass. Measure them yourself. A 12 oz bottle pretty much fills them up (with head).

We are all getting ripped off, but that is the life we've chosen.

Jefe · 1 year ago

Thanks for calling attention to this type of nonsense. Ryan's Irish Pub in NYC uses these phony pints and hopefully I will not be returning there any time soon...

Jefe · 1 year ago

Thanks for calling attention to this type of nonsense. Ryan’s Irish Pub in NYC uses these phony pints and hopefully I will not be returning there any time soon…

P dog · 1 year ago

Europe uses this type of glassware for ALL beer and wine. I found it a little confusing at first but the beauty is that you know what you are getting. Bar glasses are cheap and the mark is etched into them with an amount. All of the markes are slightly below the rim to allow for head. But Europeans don't mind socialist programs either, I prefer capitalism - and I will embrace it as long as I can until the "election of change" happens. Then the government will be able to put these evil bars out of business with proabition! So who cares about some short pint, BOTTOMS UP NOW, while we still can!

Das Boot · 7 months ago

The big chains are starting to go short on the pints. Have you notice how all portions are getting smaller. Ice cream packaging gets smaller and smaller each year. They do this to make it seem like the price has changed.

Considering that beer is big markup item at bars, the should keep a pint a pint. Case closed.

iggir · 7 months ago

The Honest Pint Project now has a website. You can help by telling us who is serving an Honest Pint.

http://www.honestpintproject.org/

vessel sinks · 5 months ago

I personally think in modern era 18 to 20 ounce rule will prevail in the market.Well you got me to comment… Good article.

Equipment & Supplies · 5 months ago

wow, I've never notice that.. even a little space of glasses can add oz.

classical music · 4 months ago

Drinking beer is one of the things, that may affect our health. We should always be considerate with our health regarding of the activities we do such as drinking and smoking.

bar supplies · 4 months ago

its very confusing at first but if you really take a good look and focus on the pint, the glass with 14oz beer can fool you. as you can see the bottom part of the glass is very thick.

lab coats · 1 month ago

in today's era 16 to 18 ounces will prevail in the market.good article