Two-thirds of a pint measure set to be introduced

28th September 2009, 10:11am

A new imperial glass size, measuring two thirds of a pint, is set to be introduced in pubs and clubs under proposals to change prescribed quantities of alcohol.

The government said that the option of pouring a two-thirds measure follows calls from many members of the pub trade to allow them more flexibility in serving draught beer and cider, especially those with a higher alcohol content.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said: "There is no question of replacing the British pint, but introducing the option of a new imperial measure is good news for consumers, providing them with more choice. And the majority of respondents to the consultation supported our view that the two-thirds of a pint measure will also offer greater flexibility for landlords, while not imposing any extra burden on them."

The British Beer and Pub Association has welcomed the move: "We are delighted the Government has legalized the two thirds of a pint, for which the BBPA has been lobbying long and hard for many years.

"Pubs will now enjoy greater flexibility and our customers will now be able to have even greater choice about how to enjoy their beer. While the pint of beer remains a great British icon, a wider choice is better suited to today's tastes and lifestyles. As a lower strength drink with a wide variety of styles, tastes and flavours beer will now also be enjoyed in a richer range of measures and glass styles."

The proposal is contained in the Government's response to the National Measurement Office's Consultation on specified quantities, which also includes measures to:

* Deregulate specified quantities for unwrapped bread, while ensuring consumers are still provided with information about the size of non-standard loaves

* Deregulate wine servings of less than 75ml from the requirement to use specified quantities, allowing for more flexibility at wine sampling and tasting sessions

* Replace the existing specified quantities for fortified wines with smaller sizes of 50ml and 70ml, bringing the law into line with current trade practice

* Bring the sale of Brandy into line with other spirits by requiring its sale in specified quantities of 25ml and 35ml

Related Articles:

• 04 Feb 2010 - Pubs are still closing but at a slower rate, says BBPA
• 28 Jan 2010 - Beer sales could be improving, says BBPA
• 09 Dec 2009 - Government makes five times more money from beer than pub companies

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