How much is "half" in Scotland

Question

In a bar in Scotland, two sizes are listed for the beer - pint and half. I assume that half is half pint, however for all beers the price for "half" doubled is less then the price for a pint (say pint is 5.50, while half is 2.30). So it does not make sense to me. What does half mean in this context? Is it half pint? If so, what is the reason why two halfs cost less than a whole pint? Is this something standard here?

Answer 1

As this other answer correctly says, the "Half" means indeed half pint.

As for the weird pricing, they changed the menu, and got some mistakes while doing it.

This is the previous menu, with "correct" prices:

So they raised the price of all draft beers, and forgot to raise it for the half pints as well.

Answer 2

A "half" is indeed a half pint. The amount is regulated by law and can't be less.

I'm as baffled as you are by the pricing policy. It may be a mistake, or it may be intended to encourage people to drink less, or maybe try more of their varieties of beers. Or it may be relying on the traditional Scottish attitude that "half pints are for wusses" to never have to serve one. ( That last was a joke, don't call me out on it.)

Answer 3

Usually anyone asking for a pint and a half is asking for a pint and a spirit - the measure of spirit is the 'half'. It's a colloquialism. Older gents (usually always gents) asked for 'a hauf and a hauf pint' back in the day - lack of spare cash would be the reason.