Beer-measuring test shows some bars served 5 oz less than advertised

As a consumer, do you believe you always get what you pay for?

Acting on a tip from a CBC Montreal listener who said he was short-served at two Sports Stations on the South Shore, CBC News set out to find out if customers were getting what they thought they were in their beer order at three Sports Station locations and PJ’s Pub in NDG.



Sports Station and PJ's Pub changed their menus after CBC News conducted its beer-measuring test. They now indicate the size of the glass or pitcher, with no mention of volume. (CBC)

All of the bars are owned by Peter Sergakis, the president of the Union of Quebec Bar Owners Association, who owns more than a dozen establishments in the Montreal area. 

CBC tested five 20-ounce beers ordered from the previously mentioned four bars. Every time, the beer served only amounted to an average of 15 ounces, around 25 per cent less than what was advertised on the menu.

Joe Schwarcz, a McGill University chemistry professor, verified the accuracy of the measuring cup used by CBC.