New measures for wine sales

Published: 28 September, 2009

The government wants to give drinks retailers greater flexibility over the size of glasses in which they serve wine, spirits and beer.

Science and innovation minister Lord Drayson has published proposals which would:

* 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.

The plans would also allow on-trade retailers to serve beer and cider in glasses containing two thirds of a pint.

The Government proposals are a response to a consultation process by the National Measurement Office.

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