Managing Beer Margins

Sale of Alcohol

Australia’s measurement legislation

Legislation for Australia’s measurement system includes:

Historically people may recall Club Managers referring to the old ‘Weights and Measures Act’ in relation to training staff concerning the correct procedures in dispensing spirits and liqueurs in a bar environment. Trade measurement laws regulate many industries that sell products by volume, including the hospitality industry.

The Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science has a branch named the National Measurement Institute. The Institute sets guidelines for businesses to ensure compliance with Measurement legislation.

The key products Clubs sell that are subject to Trade Measurement regulations include:

Beer, Stout and Ale

are usually served in an approved glass or jug with the volume marked in millilitres (ml) or litres (L).

Spirits or liqueurs

referred to by volume. This usually involves using an NMI-approved spirit measure, including thimble measures, egg cups, jiggers or approved and tested electronic or analogue dispensers delivering a fixed quantity of 15ml, 30ml or 60ml.