The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is pushing for the government to make it a legal requirement for publicans to pull a full pint.

‘Take it to the top’ is the group’s online petition urging the government to pass legislation to prohibit short measures, which according to CAMRA is anything less than 100 per cent liquid.

The group carried out a survey of 25 local authorities between December 2004 and January 2007, and found that 26.6 per cent of all pints served are more than 5 per cent short, which equates to £1.3m of customers’ money being wasted every day on short measures.

CAMRA’s chief executive Mike Benner said: “It is a disgrace that up to a quarter of all pints served in the UK are less than 95 per cent liquid when the customer is paying for a full pint every time.

“Labour had promised to introduce legislation to end this unfair practice 10 years ago and the continuing cost to beer drinkers from the government’s inaction has now run into billions of pounds.

“I would urge all beer drinkers that are fed up with being ripped off at the bar to sign our ‘Take it to the top’ petition and help us make a difference.” Details: www.takeittothetop.co.uk