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Brewery told to rename its ‘Pint’ beer because the cans are too small

A UK brewery has been told to rename one of its beers, “Pint”, because the cans it is sold in are 68ml short.

Trading Standards reached out to Manchester brewer Marble in June 2017 after it started selling Pint in 500ml cans.

The watchdog said it contacted Marble after receiving a complaint surrounding the beer’s labelling.

Manchester City Council then wrote to Marble in December, confirming that “a reporter” contacted the service, complaining about the misleading signage.

Marble Beer director Jan Rogers posted a photo of the letter to Twitter, adding: “Thanks to Manchester City Council and whoever chose to report the matter.”

“Beer called 500ml (cans only) coming soon.”

In the letter, a council official said that the watchdog’s focus group “was unanimous in the opinion that calling a can containing 500ml of liquid ‘Pint’ could be considered misleading.”

“Additionally, there could be possible offences under the Weights and Measurements Act by virtue of the Food Consumers Regulation in respect of misleading net quantity.”

Marble has been making Pint beer — a 3.9% session ale — since 2009, but only came under fire after Trading Standards received a complain about the cans last year.

Manchester beer blogger Jim Cullen told the Manchester Evening News that the row seemed “very strange.”

“Judging on the comment by the council, it has happened because of one complaint.

“Now Marble will have to go to great lengths to change the packaging and branding – probably at a substantial cost.

“They are a key, iconic Manchester brewery who produce great beer.

“People should be supporting small local businesses like theirs.”

the drinks business has reached out to Marble for comment.

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