Michigan Beer Bill: Law Would Ensure That a Pint is Actually 16 Ounces

A Michigan beer bill may ensure that a pint of beer really is an entire pint of beer.

Michigan lawmakers are pushing for a justifiable amount of beer. According to the Associated Press, some lawmakers introduced a bill that would amend the Liquor Control Act to make sure than a pint of bear contains 16 ounces at least as lawmakers says it would be offensive to "advertise or sell any glass of beer as a pint in this state unless that glass contains at least 16 ounces of beer."

Rep. Brandon Dillon, R-Grand Rapids and a co-sponsor don't think that making sure the glass is fully full is the most important issue in Michigan right now but Dillon tell AP that "a lot of people, I think, would appreciate knowing what they get when they order a pint."

He isn't alone. Plumber, Gary Lord told the Detroit Free Press agrees since he has been in a few bars where they advertise pint glasses that don't actually hold a pint.

"A pint should be a pint, and a U.S. pint to the best of my knowledge has 16 ounces," Lord said.

Some "pint" glasses are designed differently. Glasses with extra thick bottoms only hold about 12 to 14 ounces of beer.

Bar owners argue that a pint class the just a term used as a way to describe a particular style of glass. For instance, bar owner Mark Sellers says that his bar uses a 16 ounce pint glass but some use 14 and some even use 20-ounce glasses. He doesn't think bar owners would take it too well if they're forced to buy new glasses.

John Holl, editor of All About Beer magazine in Durham, N.C believes the bill is "a good step forward" for the state as he claims that short pint classes are usually those found in airport bars, where people will take what they can get.

Bar owners won't necessarily have to buy all new glassware if the bill passes. They could simply stop calling their current glasses pints, so they're not false advertising.