Minority of pubs failing 'smaller measures' test

A poll of 100 ‘non-chain’ pubs by insurer Direct Line found that 15% would not serve customers a 125ml glass of wine and of those that said they would, almost one third (29%) admitted this measure was not listed anywhere on their wine menu.

Under amendments to the mandatory licensing conditions, which came into force on 1 October, still wine in a glass must be offered to customers as a 125ml measure and must be displayed in a menu or price list for customers to see.

Price differential​

The insurer also investigated price differences between 125ml and 250ml measures amongst the pubs that did offer both and found that in the vast majority of cases (84%) it was cheaper to buy a 250ml glass than two 125ml glasses. In one instance ‘doubling up’ cost just 30 pence.

A separate study by Direct Line highlighted a lack of awareness amongst women drivers about the amount of alcohol that can legally be consumed before taking to the road. More than half admitted they did not know how many glasses of wine they could legally drink before climbing behind the wheel.

Rob Miles, director of motor at Direct Line, said: “We’d urge anyone who does plan to drive not to drink at all. The majority of pubs and restaurants now offer a 250ml glass of wine, which few people realise, is a third of a bottle and often contains three or more units of alcohol. This would push many drivers over the legal limit with potentially lethal consequences.”