UK Weights & Measures Law

What does it all mean...??

If you're not sure about the laws regarding the selling of alcohol this page may help you.

Draught Beer & Cider

This can only be sold in quantities of 1/3 pint, 1/2 pint and multiples of. So as to ensure a correct measure is sold a CE Stamped glass or a suitable measuring instrument is to be used.

A CE Stamped glass is one that bears a crown stamp (above), this basically means it has been passed fit for trade use by an inspector of weights and measures.

There is also a Lined glass, these are oversized and the measure is denoted by a line near the top of the glass, this allows a full measure of liquid including the head. Pint glasses are also lined to half a pint.

Gin, Rum, Vodka, Whiskey

These can only be sold in quantities of 25ml, 35ml or multiples of. When serving a measure of one of these 'controlled' spirts a CE Stamped vessel must be used, this can be a thimble or an optic measure, again these must bear the crown stamp.

Wine sold by the glass

Where wine is sold by the glass it can only be sold in quantitys of 125ml, 175ml or multiples of. Again when serving a Government Stamped vessel must be used. A stamped wine glass will have a line and crown, these are oversized so the measure will be up to the line.

Nucleated

A nucleated glass is one which has been etched at the bottom inside the glass with usually the maker's logo, this process helps to keep the beer fizzing in the glass.

For more information on the UK Weights & Measures act.