The National Measurement Institute (NMI) has commenced its nationwide audit of up to 350 licensed venues, checking that all alcoholic beverages sold by measurement are being poured correctly and in line with trade measurement laws.
Inspectors will visit pubs, clubs, hotels, breweries, distilleries and sporting clubs to verify that pots, schooners, pints, nips and shots meet the required serving volumes. The audit began yesterday, Monday 20 October and will run until Friday, 21 October.
Measuring devices, automated liquor dispensers and general trading practices will all be examined to ensure consumers receive what they pay for.
The audit follows a similar compliance operation in 2022, where one in four licensed venues were found to have some degree of non-compliance. Most of those issues were minor and quickly rectified, but NMI will revisit previously non-compliant sites this year to confirm improvements have been maintained.
As part of the audit, inspectors will carry out ‘secret shopper’ orders to assess how staff are serving drinks and using measurement devices in real-world conditions. The checks will also include reviews of staff training and equipment maintenance to ensure ongoing accuracy.
NMI said the campaign is focused not only on enforcement but also on education, helping venue operators and staff better understand trade measurement laws and maintain compliance standards.
By working directly with licensed venues, the institute aims to uphold fair trading practices across the alcohol industry while supporting businesses in meeting their legal obligations.