Show summary Hide summary
Understanding the short pint scam in bars: a persistent scourge
Imagine yourself in a friendly bar, ordering a nice cold pint of beer, only to receive a glass that is visibly larger but with much less beer. This trick, known as the fake pint scam, is far from trivial. Popularized by the Instagram account Balance ta pinte, this phenomenon exposes practices where some establishments serve glasses with deceptive shapes that do not comply with the legal 50 cl of a standard pint.
In this context, it is crucial to know what rights you have as a consumer and how to act to have your glass volume legally checked.
The legal basics on beer glass volumes in 2025
The first source of confusion comes from the fact that the pint has no legal definition in France. According to Baptiste Robelin, a lawyer specializing in hospitality law, this unit is not listed in official regulations nor among metric system units. The legally defined volumes are mainly 25 cl for beer, 12.5 cl for wine, and 3 cl for 40-degree spirits.
Gastroenterologist: the ideal number of vegetable servings to eat each week for your health
Discover the chefs’ secret technique for a velvety soup… without a drop of cream!
However, when a bar’s menu explicitly displays a 50 cl pint, it involves their liability. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), through its Legal Metrology Office and the Fraud Service, is vigilant regarding establishments that do not respect this standard. If a pint is advertised, the quantity served must correspond.
- The unregulated pint may vary, unless specified at 50 cl.
- Non-compliant glasses are considered consumer deception.
- Authorities such as the DGCCRF are competent to act and control.
- Consumers have the right to request on-site verifications.
Recognizing a fake pint: tips and practical advice
How to outsmart these small visual tricks? Fake pint scams often rely on slender, tall glasses with finely drawn rims, which give the impression of a large volume but are not actually filled. Here are some tips to identify and avoid being shortchanged:
- Inspect the shape of the glass: a very thin glass does not guarantee 50 cl.
- Check for an engraved marking: the law requires a visible stamp indicating the volume.
- Ask the server or manager: their transparency is a sign of seriousness.
- Prefer beers from major brands: they are often served in glasses with specific gauges, anchored in their internal standards.
- Use applications like MeterClub: they allow you to quickly measure the volume of a glass.
In case of doubt, do not hesitate to express your dissatisfaction and request a verification, a gesture encouraged by the UFC-Que Choisir Consumer Association and relayed by Millions de consommateurs.
What legal actions and recourse are available for defrauded consumers?
If your pint reveals a volume lower than promised, you have several means to defend your rights:
- Immediate request for a verification in the presence of the responsible party: an on-site check using a “volume measuring device” is possible, such as those recommended by UNSA Barmans or the National Federation of Cafés, Hotels, Restaurants (GNI).
- Reporting to the DGCCRF: this organization is empowered to carry out controls and sanction offending establishments.
- Recourse through consumer associations: UFC-Que Choisir or Millions de consommateurs can support complainants in their procedures and mediations.
- Public dissemination of the fact: platforms like “Balance ta pinte” play a role of civic vigilance that can deter bad actors.
These steps help restore trust between consumers and industry professionals. The president of UMIH Île-de-France, Franck Delvau, points out that most establishments want to comply with standards but regular vigilance is necessary.
Initiatives and technologies to ensure transparency in beverage service
In 2025, several innovations improve the guarantee of fair service:
- Digital metrology: connected devices enable precise measurement to the milliliter, facilitating surprise controls and regularization.
- ISO standards specific to the sector: establishments can certify themselves according to high standards ensuring the accuracy of volumes served.
- Real-time reporting applications: some consumers use apps to document and report infractions, relayed to the DGCCRF.
- Enhanced professional training: independent unions like UNSA Barmans encourage better training of bartenders on legal standards and customer service.
Succumb to nostalgia: discover the authentic recipe for apple fritters, prepared in the way of our ancestors for a comforting snack
Perfect Pot-au-feu: the art of cooking your vegetables in the right order for guaranteed success
These solutions contribute to the fight against scams and the promotion of quality food service, proud of its commitments.
