Lawmakers seek full measure, serve up pint-size beer bill

SALEM – 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 Friday, would have state health inspectors on their regular rounds inspecting beer glasses for capacity.

The extra review would entail a fee.

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.

“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.”