Cambridge University academics are urging the government to reconsider the standard serving size of beer in British pubs as part of efforts to reduce the nation’s alcohol consumption. The call comes following a study that showed a 10% drop in beer consumption when pubs served beer in glasses two-thirds the size of a pint.
The researchers argue that this reduction could have a significant impact on public health, helping to combat alcohol-related diseases, including various forms of cancer. Despite the findings, the government currently has no plans to phase out the pint, which remains the largest serving size for draught beer in the UK.
However, former Conservative cabinet minister Lord Vaizey expressed support for the idea, suggesting it deserves consideration. Speaking on BBC Two’s Politics Live, the former culture secretary described it as “a good idea” and said it should not be “dismissed out of hand.” He added that offering “something that looks like a pint, feels like a pint, but isn’t a pint” could encourage people to drink less and improve their health.
The study highlighted that most drinkers tend to consume the same number of servings regardless of the size. With the imperial pint being larger than typical beer servings in countries like the US, Belgium, France, and Germany, researchers see reducing pint sizes as an effective step toward lowering overall alcohol consumption.
Earlier this year, a similar trial found that wine sales dropped when establishments scrapped the largest glass size, typically 250ml. For the beer study, researchers invited more than 1,700 pubs, bars, and restaurants to participate. Despite offering compensation for any potential loss in sales, only 13 venues took part.
In the trial, customers did not express dissatisfaction with the smaller glasses, and overall alcohol sales dropped by 8%. On average, the 12 pubs involved sold nearly five fewer pints of beer and cider daily when switching from pint glasses. However, the study also noted a 7% increase in wine purchases during the same period.
While some political figures support the idea, others are less enthusiastic. Labour MP Josh Simons, a close ally of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expressed reluctance to back any changes to the pint measure. In an interview with the BBC, Simons said, “I love a pint, and Keir Starmer loves a pint.” He emphasized that pubs play a central role in British culture and that he was “not comfortable” with the government intervening in glass sizes. “Pints are what it means to be drinking in a British pub,” Simons added.
This stance aligns with Labour’s broader commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles, including efforts to combat obesity, smoking, and alcohol-related harm. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has clarified that the party does not want to be seen as the “fun police.” Speaking at an Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) event, Streeting said Labour’s approach would focus on working “with people” rather than imposing unwanted changes on them.
As the government continues to explore new public health strategies, the debate over pint sizes may further evolve, especially given the findings from Cambridge’s study. But for now, the traditional British pint remains firmly in place as the preferred measure for beer enthusiasts across the country.
