So CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) found out that "26.6% of pints served in pubs contain less than 95% beer" and I assume they mean that the pints served are 5% short of measure.

Coming from Continental Europe and having lived in Britain for a while now I can confirm this finding. Nevertheless I just can't help and think that this is a stupid, useless survey and furthermore ridiculous to blame the pubs.

Why is that?

Looking at the beer glasses that are being used in Britain it becomes obvious why they will never be filled to the pint mark, because the pint mark is literally the end of the glass (It has to be said though that every waiter will be happy to add more beer if you feel it has been 'under filled'). European beer glasses will always have more space for the liquid than the actual measure you order and pay for. The British pint glasses though don't. Why not? I can't imagine it would be more expensive to make the glass a little bit taller!
Pint

Also, how many times in bars have I seen the waiter tap my beer, flushing half of the good stuff down the drain to get rid of the foam, TRYING to fill it with 'liquid' beer to the top. It's really a waste of beer and it makes no sense and sometimes drives me crazy. Imagine your wine glass or champagne glass would have the exact same measure as the amount you order. Ridiculous! And if you look at the advertizements from the British beer companies it becomes evident that they promote under filling (see links below).

So CAMRA people or British people in general. It's really up to you. If you want what you pay for you can either switch to European glasses and start selling in 500ml quantities - just like the beer you buy in a supermarket - so don't complain - or 'invent' glasses suitable to filling with the right measure.

PLUS: With a European glass you always get more than you pay for because the foam is extra free beer AND for once you will be able to walk back to your table or place without spilling the 5% the CAMRA worked so hard for on your shoes!

Good Luck for CAMRA. I'm sure that this survey has changed nothing and the coming survey will have the same result ... in perpetuity!

Yours,
4aBW

Links:

CAMRA SURVEY:
http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=100354

EUROPEAN BEER GLASS:
http://www.stanceland.de/images/Warsteiner_0,5.jpg

BRITISH BEER GLASS:
http://www.genre.fsnet.co.uk/brewery/bitter/pint.jpg

CARLING:
http://www.carling.com/

GUINNESS:
http://www.guinness.com/gb_en/