Q&A: What is the legal position regarding measuring spirits?

Please could you clarify the position regarding measuring spirits?

As far as gin, rum, vodka and whisky are concerned legal measures apply. They can only be sold in measures of either 25 millilitres or 35 millilitres or multiples of both.

There is however an exception to this rule when any of the four spirits are sold as part of a mixed drink which contains three or more liquids, most usually found in a cocktail.

A customer is then entitled to request any mixture of liquids containing gin, rum, vodka or whisky in a quantity not otherwise permitted.

Unless a customer orders a cocktail with three or more liquids, all four spirits must be measured for sale using either a sealed and stamped spirit measure or a stamped thimble measure.

Once a measure has been decided upon, that size must be used for each of the four spirits throughout the premises. The customer should have a clear and unobstructed view of both the measurement and the transfer from the spirit or thimble measure to the glass.

In all cases a notice must be displayed prominently, stating in which quantities these spirits are offered for sale on your premises.