Cowboys beware! There's a new NMI sheriff in town and he's here for your jiggers!

July 24, 2019

Cowboys beware! There's a new NMI sheriff in town and he's here for your jiggers!

There’s a new sheriff in town and he’s looking to make his mark; on the hunt for thieves, outlaws and hustlers.

Maybe you already know what we’re talking about?

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is the national body charged with administering all measurements requirements in Australia, including anything sold by weight and volume.

There’s widespread concern that hospitality operators are wilfully under-serving spirits and beer, and/or not using correct measuring instruments (jiggers), to take advantage of patrons.

To help lessen the public's concerns that they're not getting what they've paid for, the NMI have undertaken a concerted media campaign to warn operators there’s a new sheriff in town... And this sheriff is ready to fine, name and shame.

To ensure your business isn't caught on the wrong side of the law, even if you think you're playing be the rules, we have some quick steps to protect yourself:

  1. Equip your bar stations with NMI approved jiggers
  2. Use NMI approved jiggers to measure the five regulated spirit categories: whisk(e)y, vodka, gin, rum and brandy (made from grapes)
  3. Ensure these regulated categories are measured whether served neat, over ice or with a mixer; i.e. vodka/orange; Bundy/Coke; gin/tonic; rum/ginger ale, Whisk(e)y On the Rocks.
  4. Cocktails containing two or more spirits do not require trade measurement.

Note: It is a FALSE assumption that bars serving cocktails or cocktail bars are exempt from the measurement law. All venues should check that their jiggers comply.

NMI markings on jiggers

Inspectors from the NMI will be carrying out nationwide inspections and rest assured they’re not looking to congratulate or applaud. Fines are hefty, ranging from $1000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars for industrial level fraud.

To be NMI compliant costs a few hundred dollars for larger venues, less for smaller ones, which, in our opinion, is a very cheap insurance policy.

For any operator thinking the odds are with them, please think again, it's not a risk worth taking, to name or reputation.

You can see our full range of jiggers, including our NMI approved ProBarJig™ here.






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