Ensuring Australians Get a Fair Pour

The national audit was conducted in October 2025, with NMI inspectors visiting 436 licensed venues across Australia. During the audit week, inspectors checked measuring instruments, conducted ‘secret shopper’ trial purchases and reviewed quality assurance practices.

According to the initial findings, seven in ten traders were fully compliant. The audit found that 84 per cent of measuring instruments inspected were accurate, and 68 per cent of trial purchases delivered the correct amount of alcohol.

Non‑compliance issues identified

While overall compliance was strong, the audit identified areas where improvement is needed. Common issues at non‑compliant sites included inaccurate or unverified instruments, the use of unapproved glassware or simple measures, and spillage during pouring, resulting in customers receiving less than they paid for.

Maintaining industry standards

NMI is taking action to maintain high standards across the licensed premises industry. This includes issuing 130 noncompliance notices to traders and investigating six enforcement actions involving more than 50 venues. Follow-up checks are being carried out in line with NMI’s National Compliance Policy.

NMI will also share full audit findings with industry groups, to support improved training and awareness.

Supporting compliance

The audit noted that venues can support compliance by training staff to correctly use measuring instruments, regularly checking instruments for accuracy, and using only approved glassware and measures.

The 2025 audit follows the previous national audit of licensed premises conducted in 2022. By returning to venues and expanding the range of checks, NMI is continuing to work with businesses to ensure customers receive what they pay for.

The interim findings may change following full analysis. A final report for 2025–26, including comparisons with the 2019 and 2022 programs, will be released after the end of the financial year.