Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon lawmakers want to make sure beer-drinkers aren’t getting ripped off when they order a tall cold one.

The Oregon House passed a measure Thursday that would give honest barkeeps a way to show everyone they’re on the level.  Salem correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Democratic Representative Jules Bailey knew it was a little early in the day to be talking beer, but apparently not too early to be quoting country music lyrics.

Jules Bailey:  “Colleagues it’s just past 10:30 here but it’s 5 o’clock somewhere in America.”

Bailey was pushing a bill that would give bar patrons a way of knowing that their glass of beer was everything their bartender promised it would be.  

State inspectors would issue so-called “honest pint” decals to taverns that can prove their pint glasses really hold a pint.

The program would be funded by fees from participating bar owners.  Bailey says it’s about truth-in-advertising.

Rep. Jules Bailey:  “A business can choose to sell beer in any amount that they desire, but if they’re going to call it a pint, shouldn’t it be at least 16 ounces?”

33 of Bailey’s colleagues agreed.  That’s enough to send the bill over to the Senate.