Cambridge University academics have urged the government to consider reducing beer serving sizes from pints to smaller measures in an effort to curb Britain’s alcohol consumption.
A recent study found that beer sales dropped by 10% when pubs swapped traditional pint glasses for two-thirds-size glasses. Researchers argue this reduction could help combat alcohol-related health issues, including cancer.
Although the government has no current plans to eliminate pints as the standard beer measure, former Tory minister Lord Vaizey expressed support for the idea, suggesting smaller glasses that mimic pints could encourage healthier drinking habits without people noticing the difference. He shared his views on BBC Two’s Politics Live, advocating for a rethink on pint sizes.
The study also revealed that pubgoers typically stick to a specific number of servings, regardless of glass size. Britain’s imperial pint (568ml) remains larger than standard beer servings in countries like the US, Belgium, France, and Germany.
In a trial conducted earlier this year, wine sales also decreased when venues stopped serving it in larger 250ml glasses. Of 1,700 pubs invited to participate in the beer study, only 13 agreed, with no significant complaints from customers about the smaller sizes. On average, pubs sold around five fewer pints per day when using smaller glasses.
Labour MP Josh Simons, a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer, opposed the idea of scrapping pints, stressing the cultural significance of pint-sized drinks in British pubs. He emphasised that pubs are important social spaces and he was uncomfortable with government interference in glass sizes.
[Image created via MidJourney]