IS IT A PINT?

An independent study measuring whether American bars actually pour a full pint. Most 'pint' glasses hold only 14 oz. Data, methods, and the Pint Patrol app.

I got poured a pint by a newbie behind the bar at a hotel recently and she looked embarrassed as it was about 40% head, but to her credit she went to fetch the shift supervisor before I said anything.

He explained after pouring it better that, even the remaining head (It had ~3/4 inch even after fixing it) might still be met by derision by many customers. "They'd be asking if you would be charging them for just for the half" etc.

There's a bit of leeway but you'll quickly hear about it if you short a pint too much.

Yes. Americans/Canadians famously can't pour beer properly. If you are pouring a pilsner or really any lager, a head of at least 2 inches is actually correct and absolutely desirable. The way it's poured in Canada (no head) is borderline undrinkable to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dggKezrSQxI

Pilsner Urquell Pouring And Serving

YouTube
As a Canadian: hard agree. Beer without head is gross.