There has been some discussion on Twitter today about Growlers sales following visits to some venues by officers from the Weights and Measures. There is some confusion about requirements in relation to Growlers and other take home containers.

Australian Brews News looked into the issue last year (2011) and were advised the following by the spokesperson from Trade Measurement, National Measurement Institute, Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education:
“Growler” beer bottles can be used for the sale of beer in the following circumstances:

As a pre-packed article, packed in advance ready for sale.

• In this case the bottle would need to be marked with a measurement statement in accordance with the requirements of the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009 (the Regulations).
• There can be no measurement statements on the growler that do not comply with the requirements of the Regulations – metric units only – American volume markings must not be visible.
• The measurement must be correct.
• If the Growler is filled on the premises, there will not be a requirement to mark the name and address of the packer – the person or organisation that filled the Growler.

If the Growler bottles are filled on demand:

• Beer must be sold by reference to volume, and the volume must be expressed in litres.
• The price per litre must be displayed on a sign. It is accceptable to also show a price per, say, 1.89 litres, but the price per litre must be dominant.
• The delivered volume must be correct.
• If the volume delivered is determined by a measuring instrument, that instrument must be of a pattern approved by the NMI, and verified by a licensee authorised by the NMI.

In the New Year, Trade Measurement Inspectors will be visiting outlets that use “Growler” bottles to ensure compliance with the requirements above. Where non-compliance is detected, traders will initially be issued with non-compliance notices to enable them to correct their practices. Follow up visits may be required to determine that corrections have not been made, further action may be considered.