A NUMBER of pubs and bars across North Yorkshire have been caught selling short measures.

Some licensees have been reported for prosecution after visits from County Council trading standards officers found them to be serving spirits short of the legal level.

Officers bought spirits from 31 licensed premises throughout the county, and then measured what they had been sold.

They were sold short measures of spirits in 24 cases, the largest deficiency being 26 per cent less than the required amount for a whisky at a public house in Scarborough.

In that case, each drink was being overcharged by 52p.

The head of trading standards and regulatory services, Stuart Pudney, said: "All licensees know that it is an offence to sell short measures.

"This survey highlighted the lack of training which many licensees are giving to their bar staff.

"The short measures found were largely due to a failure by staff to use measuring equipment properly.

"Many of the deficient drinks were dispensed from "thimble measures", which should legally be used in full view of the customer."

Mr Pudney said many of the staff disregarded the requirement and measured the drinks in such a way that the customer could not see what was being dispensed.

He said: "With many pubs charging approximately £2 for a 25ml measure, even a small shortage will result in a significant extra profit to the pub at the expense of the public."

Anyone who suspects they have been sold a short measure of spirit or beer in a public house is asked to call trading standards officers, on (01609) 780780.