A beer dispensing device comprises a fitment (7) for fitting to the tap (9), a sensor (24) for sensing the quantity of beer dispensed from the tap (9) on turning on of the tap, a pivot lever (4) and arm (1) for engaging the tap (9), and an electronic control box (3) for causing the pivot lever (4) to be rotated under spring (28) action to turn off the tap (9) in response to an indication from the sensor (24) that the required quantity of beer has been dispensed from the tap (9). Such a device is particularly applicable to the dispensing of beer at a public bar as it allows substantially hands free operation after the bartender has initiated dispensing by opening of the tap, and therefore allows more flexible and faster service through multi-tasking by the bartender.