Between 20 and 24 October this year, licensed premises around the country were audited by trade measurement inspectors from the National Measurement Institute (NMI).
Inspectors visited up to 350 licensed venues across Australia, checking that every glass, shot, nip, pint, middy and schooner poured was correct, when sold by measurement.
To ensure customers receive what they pay for, inspectors were looking at trading practises, measuring devices and automated liquor dispensers.
Three years ago, a similar audit found one in four licensed premises were non-compliant, although many issues were minor and quickly corrected.
This year, inspectors checked equipment maintenance and staff training and revisited the sites that were found non-compliant in 2022, through both announced and ‘secret shopper’ orders.
The NMI is responsible for Australia’s measurement system across all industries, ensuring measurements used are accurate, made correctly and the instruments used are fit for purpose.
The aims of the inspections are to both help keep things fair for customers and to support venues in understanding the trade measurement laws.
Trade measurement inspectors have various powers and obligations, and enforcement can range from a verbal warning to fines for short-measuring customers of up to $222,000 per offence – and even prosecution.
Overall, the audits play a crucial role in protecting consumers and supporting businesses, ensuring that every pour is accurate and fair, while helping licensed venues stay compliant with Australia’s strict measurement standards.
The NMI advised ClubTIC that results from this year’s audit will be published after the end of the financial year, in July 2026.
