Proposed law would require Michigan pints of beer to hold 16 ounces

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A proposed law in Michigan is aimed at ensuring beer drinkers who pay for a pint get at least 16 ounces.

The measure was introduced in the House last week, MLive.com reported. It would ban what barflies refer to as "cheater glasses" with thick bottoms so they look like they hold a pint but actually take a few ounces less.

State Rep. Jim Irwin, a Democrat from the college town of Ann Arbor, said the state regulates meat and other foodstuffs to make sure buyers get what they pay for. Irwin introduced a similar law in 2011 after being shorted on a pint of beer and is a co-sponsor of the new legislation.

"Similarly when people buy a pint and they're served less than a pint, it strikes me as sort of low-level fraud," Irwin said.

But Scott Ellis, executive director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, said he does not believe most people who drink in bars see a pint as an exact amount.

"We have other pressing issues right now that need to be addressed over the amount of alcohol in the pint," he said.