§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will seek powers to prevent breweries and licensees from displaying fake and ornamental beer dispensing equipment in their houses when real ale is not being served.
Mr. Alan WilliamsIf the display in public houses of equipment of a particular type gives a false or misleading indication of the method of production or physical characteristics of the beer being served, this may be an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. Enforcement is the responsibility of local weights and measures authorities. But it is for the courts to decide whether in a particular case the display of ornamental equipment is misleading.