UK to relax drink size regulations

The traditional British pint bar-call could soon become a thing of the past after the government announced plans to relax strict rules dictating drink sizes.

The government is to allow licensed premises in England, Scotland and Wales to sell beer and cider in smaller measures, including schooners – an Australian two-third pint measure.

Wine will also be sold in 75ml sizes, much smaller than the standard 175ml.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills aims to introduce the changes over the next three months.

Science minister David Willetts said he wanted to remove "unnecessary" red tape surrounding the current system.

"No pub or restaurant should break the law by selling a customer a sample of wine," he said.

"We have listened to consumers and businesses. They have called for fixed quantities to be kept but with greater flexibility. That is what this change will deliver."

Current regulations mean draught beer must be sold in pints (equivalent to 568ml), halves (284ml) or the little-known "thirds", and wine in measures of 250ml, 175ml or 125ml.

London chain The Draft House is among the few UK operators to currently offer beer in "thirds".

Fortified wine, meanwhile, is currently sold in 175ml or 125ml measures, but will be available in 70ml and 50ml sizes under the new regulations.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) welcomed the new measures.

Chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "Choice is good for customers, and more choice over drinks sizes in pubs is something we have lobbied for over many years.

"While the pint remains a great British icon, the two-thirds pint will give greater flexibility over how beer is served.

"This is particularly important when it comes to getting more women to choose beer, as many avoid the traditional pint glass."

The pint measure has been served since its introduction by an Act of Parliament in 1698.

Alan Lodge, 05.01.2011