The Sale Of Drinks In Public Houses

• How must beer and cider be sold?
• What does 'stamped' mean?
• To what level should glasses be filled?
• How must spirits be sold?
• What about other alcoholic drinks?
• How can wine be sold?
• What if the wine is sold by the glass?
• Prices
• Notes

How must beer and cider be sold?

Draught beer and cider must be sold in quantities of 1/3 pint, 1/2 pint or multiples of 1/2 pint.

It must be served in stamped glasses (brim measures or line measures) or be dispensed through a stamped beer meter in which case an unstamped glass may be used.

If beer or cider is sold only in cans you are advised to indicate the metric quantity on your price list and clearly indicate by means of a notice or otherwise that only canned beer or cider is sold on the premises.(This is not a legislative requirement).

What does 'stamped' mean?

It means that the equipment has been tested by a Trading Standards Officer and found to be accurate. The stamp consists of a Crown with the testing officers personal number beneath.

To what level should glasses be filled?

If line glasses are used, the liquid part of the beer should reach the line of the glass. These glasses are oversize to allow for the beer to be served with a reasonable head.

Brim measures hold 1/2 pint or a pint when full to the brim with beer. Where the beer has settled and the head appears excessive, it should be topped up without the customer having to ask.

How must spirits be sold?

Gin, Rum, Vodka and Whisky(not prepacked) must be sold in multiples of 25ml or 35ml and measured using stamped optics or stamped thimble measures. Only one size of measure can be used.

In addition a notice must be displayed indicating the quantity being dispensed. This should be located in each bar so that it can be easily read by intending purchasers

What about other alcoholic drinks?

If other alcoholic drinks e.g. Brandy or Martini, are sold by reference to a specific quantity, any measuring equipment used to determine that quantity must also be stamped, and only metric quantities (mls) may be used.

How can wine be sold?

When sold loose from bulk by the carafe (or jug etc.) wine must be sold in one of the following quantities: 250ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1 litre.

The quantity used must be indicated on all menus, wine lists etc.

A stamped measure must be used to determine the quantity.

What if the wine is sold by the glass?

Wine must be sold in 125ml, 175ml or multiples of these measures

Stamped optics or stamped measures must be used to determine these quantities

The customer must be aware of the quantity being offered for sale by means of a notice or indication on a price list. The quantity must also be indicated on menus, wine lists etc.

Prices

The prices of your drinks must be made clear to customers. The easiest way to do this is to use a price list.

At least 30 prices must be given on the list. If you sell less than 30 items, you must give the price of every item.

If the price list is divided into groups, at least five prices should be given in each group. If there are less than five items in a group you must give the price for each item.

At least five prices for soft drinks should be given.

Notes

Regular visits will be undertaken by Trading Standards staff to inspect equipment, check pricing, descriptions, labelling etc., and to give advice where necessary.

Occasionally unannounced visits are made by an officer acting as a normal customer. The officer may purchase goods to check quality, price, description, quantity etc.

Licensees should ensure that all staff are properly trained in all aspects to which this fact sheet relates.

Failure to comply with any of the regulations to which this fact sheet applies could result in a prosecution with a fine up to £5,000.

This fact sheet is an outline of the relevant legislation and is intended as a guide. More detailed information and advice is available from Trading Standards.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Trading Standards Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 8355
0161 342 2288