Drinkers across the UK are being given brief measures, according to a new survey.
Trading standards tests have found that more than two-thirds of beer and wine served in pubs and bars are less than promised.
About 86% of all beer ordered was in short supply, as was 43% of wine.
Officers who visited 77 pubs and bars received 96 short measures out of 137 orders, meaning around 70% were less than the amount prescribed by the Weights and Measures Order for pints and half-pints and 175ml wine glasses.
Of the short measures, 41 were below 5% or more: 29% of the 137 drinks analyzed.
The average deficit for beer in insufficient measure was 4%, while that for wine was 5%.
For the average beer drinker, this equates to a loss of £1.70 per week, or £88.40 per year, and for the average wine drinker in the UK this jumps to £2.20 per week, or £ 114.40 per year, according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. (CTSI) said.
The largest short measure was 15% smaller, found in a 175ml wine glass in Walsall, and the drink cost £3.20.
The next largest shortfall was 13.4% and was found in Belfast on a wine glass costing £7.20, while the third biggest shortfall was 12% and was found on a 175ml wine glass. bought in Havering, which cost £5.75.
A CTSI survey found that three times as many people under 45 supported bars and pubs being able to serve unrestricted spirits compared to those over 45.
The findings come at a time when the price of alcoholic beverages is at an all-time high.
The average price of a bottle of red wine has increased by 8% in the last year, while the average cost of a pint of beer has increased by 5.6%, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Legally, the foam from a pint of beer is included in the measure.
The CTSI survey found that 35% of the public felt the head should not be included in the pint measurement and 23% thought it should.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) maintains that the pint measurement should not include the head and consumers should be entitled to a 100% liquid pint.
Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) national chair Nik Antona said: “Consumers should not feel let down when they support their favorite pubs, social clubs and taverns. The idea that 70% of all beer bought at the pub is being in short supply in the UK is extremely worrying.
“For any measured shortage, and particularly any shortage of more than 5%, you must ask the bar staff for an immediate top-up. You are within your rights to do this and staff must comply and comply with this request.
“If you receive a negative reaction when doing this, you can contact Trading Standards to report the incident.”
CTSI CEO John Herriman said: “While this is a snapshot, it is the first time we have been able to build a national picture of how widespread alcoholic beverage shortages are and the potential harm to the average consumer of around £115 each year suggests that more extensive research is needed to better understand the impact of brief measures, not just for alcoholic beverages but across a broader spectrum of consumer goods.
“Weights and measures play a key role in local authority trading standards, but at the moment we simply do not have the resources to allocate, or even the equipment to use, to carry out spot checks to ensure consumers get what they pay for.” .
“We are calling on the hospitality sector to ensure consumers get value for money by ensuring they correctly measure the drinks they serve to customers in the country's pubs and bars and for more research to be carried out in this area.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Pubs across the country are proud to serve the incredible range of beers brewed in this country and in no way want to be accused of not serving millions. Of customers. who enjoy visiting our nation's pubs every week.
“The beer is carbonated and is usually sold with a foamy head, although there is considerable difference between consumer preferences for the head naturally produced by different beers.
“This is reflected in industry guidelines which say that the measure of beer served with foam must include a minimum of 95% liquid. Customers who want to be lighter should always feel free to ask for a refill and should never be denied.”
