Pint-size bill: Oregon act fosters 16-oz. brews

SALEM, Ore. — Some Oregon legislators want the state to help ensure that Oregon's beer drinkers who order a pint get the full 16 ounces.

The "Honest Pint Act" is aimed at the practice of selling "pints" of beer in glasses, sometimes with thick bottoms, that can't hold the full liquid measure of a pint.

The bill, which got a hearing last week, would have state health inspectors on their regular rounds inspecting beer glasses for capacity. The extra review would entail a fee, the amount of which has yet to been determined, the Register-Guard of Eugene reported.

Barkeeps who pass the test would be rewarded with a decal, to be displayed on a window or door, proclaiming their establishments to be purveyors of an "honest pint."

The idea, a sponsor said, is not to punish bars that talk a good pint but don't serve it.

"We're just saying, if you are doing a good job, you should be able to brag about it and let folks know you do serve an honest pint," said Rep. Jules Bailey of Portland.

The Register-Guard asked how this idea goes down at the local pubs.

"That's all they have to spend their time on?" responded owner Tom Tracey at the Horsehead bar in downtown Eugene. "How did this ever become an issue? I've been bartending for almost 20 years, and I've never once had someone bring it up."

Tracey said he serves his beer in 16-ounce glasses, and the Register-Guard reported that a glass of Pabst Blue Ribbon poured into a measuring cup Friday revealed that a Horsehead patron can expect to receive just over 15 ounces of beer, plus a bit of foam.

And that was good enough for customer David Green, who sat at the bar with a Ninkasi IPA and a book.

Missing an ounce or less from a pint he orders isn't a big deal, he said.

"I don't care about micrograms, just if someone's intentionally pouring 14 ounces," he said. "Frankly, it's a matter of trust."

In Oakridge, brewer Ted Sobel said he'd seriously consider state certification at his Anglo-style pub, the Brewers Union Local 180.

He says he found in England the law requires glassware be inspected and etched with a symbol to ensure customers receive a full pint. To leave room for a head of foam, oversized glasses are marked with a line and the words "pint to line."

Sobel serves up beers and ales in 23 ounce glasses, with room for an imperial, 20-ounce pint, and a head.

That wins fans who appreciate the heritage of a proper pint.

"When I explain it, they like it," he said. "They appreciate that they're getting what they paid for."