Along with the BC Liberal’s announcement of the discount on bulk alcohol (20¢ /oz on pitchers) there was a small section that initially went unnoticed but it shows that the campaign we’ve been waging for almost 3 years is finally making a dent on the authorities:
Pubs and restaurants serve draught beer and cider in a variety of sizes – generally, 9 oz., 16 oz. or 20 oz. glasses, or by the pitcher (approximately 60 oz.). If unsure, British Columbians are encouraged to ask establishments what their serving sizes are, so they can be sure of the per-ounce price they are paying and be better aware of the amount of alcohol they are consuming.
Firstly I’m not sure about these sizes, as our #FUSS testing shows craft beer more often come in 12oz or 14oz servings, sometimes even 0.4L.
Secondly, as the government should know glass size is irrelevant it’s SERVING SIZE that counts!
Thirdly, personally I prefer to be more aware not “better aware”.
But one thing I’m pleased about is that the government is encouraging consumers to ask about serving sizes, strictly speaking this shouldn’t be necessary as correct serving sizes should be posted clearly in menus etc. This shows that they FINALLY acknowledge there’s a serious problem with serving sizes but rather than take responsibility for enforcing their own rules they want you to do the work. And I think you should.
Lots of people have asked me what they can do to get involved in #FUSS as long as it doesn’t cause too much trouble or be too much work – well here it is!
Every time you order a beer ask your server what the serving size is. The locations that are currently short-pouring are already nervous and some are already doing the right thing but if we all start asking then they’ll get even more nervous. If you suspect that the serving isn’t what was promised you can talk to the server/ manager or leave one of our CAMRA #FUSS cards but please be nice about it, we get far better results from being polite. If you’re still not satisfied then go to http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/080.nsf/eng/home.
Register your complaint with Measurement Canada, it only takes a moment, remember this isn’t attacking your favourite pub or the people who run it, this is your civic duty to all the other people who drink, have drunk or will drink in that pub. The authorities must follow it up – indeed we’ve heard that the measurement inspectors have been out and tested a number of locations already based on #FUSS complaints. That’s because this is a FEDERAL agency, not local liquor licencing autocrats, not provincial shills who have demonstrated a total lack of interest in your serving size (until the Feds got involved).
The Federal Liberal government have acknowledged this is a problem and even have a nationwide campaign to make sure you get the beer you pay for called “fairness at the pumps”.
So after years of being dismissed, patronised and ignored by the Provincial authorities it’s time to ignore them back and go Federal! Use the hashtag #getwhatyoupayfor and #FUSS and let’s make a difference. It’s refreshing that a government agency has agreed with us that draft beer should be treated the same as gasoline or groceries after years of us saying the same thing! They’re also prepared to enforce the law (remember that part of your job Minister Anton?) with stiff fines for those who deliberately or accidentally short-pour.
It seems we have an unlikely ally in Ottawa so we can push for correct serving sizes across the board, but it must ultimately come from you – the consumer – we’ll do what we can but we’re just noisy volunteers, we’ll give you any help we can but this is your chance, your opportunity to make this right and lend your voice to the chorus demanding fairness at the pumps.
Adam Chatburn
President, CAMRA BC – Vancouver Branch
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