Going down the local for a swift one or out on the town for a big night? How can you be sure that your pint's a pint and your shorts aren't short?

Officers of the City of York Council's Food and Safety Unit enforce Weights and Measures laws in the City's pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Traditional drinks such as beer, cider and wine must be served in specific quantities. The quantities of the common spirits, such as gin, rum, vodka and whisky are controlled too. As regards a pint of beer, a reasonable-sized head is included as part of the measure. However most pubs will happily 'top up' your pint at your request. If your pint is served through a beer meter, you may not be offered a 'top up', this is because the equipment automatically dispenses half a pint with each flick of the switch. Metered beer is usually served in bigger glasses which may not be filled to the top, this is sometimes mistaken for short measure. A notice on the premises will tell you the quantities in which the wine and the common spirits are served. This may be on the price list. The prices of a selection of drinks should be displayed, but it is not necessary to display the price of every drink.

To ensure you're getting a full measure, any equipment used must display the Government's crown stamp. Trading Standards Officers routinely check all the equipment used in licensed premises to ensure it is measuring accurately. The Food Unit is not only concerned with quantity; it also looks at the quality of our drinks, including the alcoholic strength.

The Food Unit advises the following:

- Check the notice for the quantity of wine or spirit you will be served.

- Check the price. If it is not displayed, ask.

- If you're not happy with the size of the head ask for a top up.

- If the beer is measured through a beer meter, you should automatically receive a full measure.

If in doubt about the measure or quality of your drink, or you require further advice, contact the Food and Safety Unit at 9 St Leonard's Place, Exhibition Square, York or telephone 01904 551525. The fax number is 01904 551590 and the e-mail address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk.