Inspectors warn pub-goers in Swindon are being served short measures in various pubs and bars

Pub-goers in Swindon are frequently being served short measures in some pubs and bars, a Trading Standards team has warned.

In a joint inspection with Swindon Borough Council’s Licensing department, Trading Standards officers visited 10 bars and pubs in the area.

They found that over 70 per cent of the drinks purchased were short measured.

Posing as members of the public at each venue, Trading Standards officers ordered a medium glass of white wine and a single vodka.

The results of the survey found that 60 per cent of the glasses of wine bought were a short measure, while 80 per cent of the vodka shots bought were a short measure.

For a medium glass of wine, the deficiency was between 5ml and 25ml. The worst case was a 25ml deficiency on a 175ml glass of wine.

All pubs and bars were given verbal advice and guidance during the inspections.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "This is only a snapshot survey but, interestingly, the results mirrored those of a national study which also showed that consumers are not getting what they paid for.

"We want our local hospitality sector to thrive, but it should not be at the expense of their customers.

"It is incumbent on all our pubs, bars and social clubs to ensure people are not being short changed when they are spending their hard-earned money.

"Our Trading Standards team will continue to work with our licensed premises to ensure they are serving the correct measures as required by law."