AUGUSTA —A bill seeking to crack down on “cheater pints” of beer has overcome its first hurdle in the Maine Legislature.

The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted 12-2 Wednesday in support of Democratic Sen. John Patrick’s bill. The version the committee supported would require bars and restaurants that advertise that a beer is a pint to sell it in a glass that’s at least 16 ounces.

Patrick says some establishments use 14-ounce glasses even though they advertise the beers as pints.

The Lewiston Sun Journal reports that Gregory Mineo, the state’s top liquor inspector, told lawmakers that the bill would be impossible to enforce.

The Maine Restaurant Association and others have said that the bill is unnecessary because of consumer protection laws.

The bill now heads to the full House and Senate for consideration.