Wine and whisky measures fall short in undercover investigation

More than half of the drinks ordered in a recent Trading Standards investigation were found to be short pours. The undercover operation, which assessed pubs and bars across Oxfordshire, set out to check whether alcoholic drinks were being served in legally required quantities. According to the Trading Standards officials, more than half were found to be under the limit. However, compared to other drinks, beer was discovered to be the alcoholic drink that was never underpoured by staff.

No let up

The news hits as hospitality businesses have navigated the year’s headwinds amid rising costs and nearly four in five of hospitality small business owners are feeling the effects of burnout. Added to this, rising tax and business rate costs in the UK could force more than 70% of hospitality businesses to cut jobs, scale back investment, or reduce trading hours. Managed pubs, bars and restaurants also saw marginal sales growth of just 0.1% in February 2025, as cost pressures and cautious consumer spending have continued to challenge the sector.

Undercover

Despite these evident challenges, Trading Standards officers have still been cracking down on keeping a keen eye on drinks that don’t quite measure up. Earlier this year, the officials posed as members of the public and ordered alcoholic drinks at various establishments to check whether each was being served in the legally-required measures. Of the drinks ordered, it was found that 12 out of 16 glasses of wine, or 75% of all drinks, were short pours. As well, one out of two shots of whisky were being served under the legal measure. Beer drinkers will be relieved, as all of the pints ordered during the undercover inspection were found to be properly poured in each of the venues.

The legalities

According to the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988, which sets out the legal serving sizes for beer, wine, and spirits in the UK, draught beer and cider must be sold in 1/3, 1/2, or full pints—or multiples of half a pint — and the glass must be filled to the brim. Spirits such as gin, rum, vodka, and whisky must be sold in 25ml or 35ml measures, or multiples of those. Wine can be served in 125ml or 175ml glasses, or multiples of those sizes. While fortified wines such as Port and sherry should be served in 50ml or 70ml measures, and multiples of those sizes. Hospitality businesses must comply with these exact measurements or risk breaching consumer protection laws. Last year, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) claimed that the majority of alcoholic drinks in the UK’s pubs and bars is being short-measured. In a bid to stay within the law, bar staff can use measurement tools, commonly known as jiggers, to perfect their pours. The news comes at a time of ‘shrinkflation’ when food and drink quantities have been reduced but prices have stayed static or risen. In terms of alcohol, the previous focus had been on producers reducing ABV but keep prices stagnant, but now it appears the quantity of booze is also being cut.

Customers are 'losing out'

Head of Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council Jody Kerman explained: “Many people across the county enjoy a pint or a glass of wine in the pub with friends. However, it’s not a cheap commodity, and the inspection showed that customers could be losing out if it’s not served correctly.” Local reports across Oxfordshire have reminded pubs and bars that, it might not sound like much, but a 2.2% short measure on a £7.05 drink amounts to a 15p loss, which adds up in a few rounds. The officials also highlighted how short measures can also lead to customer complaints, negative reviews, or even regulatory penalties, all of which publicans could do without. As a suggestion to all pub owners, the officials said it was crucial to carry out regular checks on staff pours, invest in training, and ensure all measuring tools are properly calibrated to stay compliant with the law.