News: A small measure to remember
- Date: 07/09/2011
- Author/Solicitor: Andy Grimsey
Weights and Measures legislation coming into force on 1st October 2011 will allow the sale of wine in measures of under 75ml (for example as sample measures) and beers and ciders to be sold in 2/3rd pint 'schooners', applicable when sold for consumption on the premises. To date, wine has to be sold in a minimum measure of 125ml; beer and cider in 3rd, ½ or 1 pint or multiples of ½ pint. Additionally fortified wine will be sold in smaller sizes of 50ml and 70ml.
In the case of both wine and fortified wine, a statement showing the quantities in which the wine is for sale must be displayed and contained in every wine list, menu and be made available to the buyer before any sale is made.
The Government's stated purpose behind the change is to free up businesses so that they can 'innovate and create new products to meet the demands of their customers'.
Please note that this new legislation does not affect the Mandatory Licensing Conditions which require beer or cider to be available in ½ pints, gin, rum, vodka or whisky in 25ml or 35ml and still wine in a glass in 125ml measures, and that customers are made aware of the availability of these measures.
