SNP backs small wine measures to tackle Scotland's alcohol problem

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 26 November, 2015

Wine drinkers in Scotland will be offered small measures as part of a new pilot scheme to reduce alcohol consumption, launched yesterday.

Customers who ask for a glass of wine in participating pubs, restaurants and hotels will be offered the additional choice of a 125ml serve, alongside the usual 175ml and 250ml measures.

The pilot scheme will initially run in some 100 licensed premises in East Dunbartonshire, which includes a number of prosperous Glasgow suburbs.

It has been set up by the Scottish Government Alcohol Industry Partnership, which hopes to extend the initiative if it proves successful.

Maureen Watt, Scotland's public health minister, welcomed the scheme as a simple and effective way to promote responsible drinking.

Speaking at the scheme's launch in Milngavie, she said: "The Scottish Government is committed to changing Scotland's unhealthy relationship with alcohol."

A recent YouGov survey revealed that 70% of adults do not know how much wine is in a small, medium or large glass.

Some 50% of respondents habitually chose a large glass, unaware that a 250ml serve can contain more than three units of alcohol.

Alcohol consumption in Scotland has increased by 5% since 2004, according to figures released by the Scottish government.

Nearly 20% more alcohol is bought per adult in Scotland compared to England and Wales.

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