MP confirms EU's pint glass crown ban
The traditional crown stamp on pint glasses is set to vanish, because of a European Union ruling, an MP has confirmed.
From now on, only the European CE mark - which stands for Conformité Européenne - will be permitted on new pint glasses used in pubs and clubs across the UK.
Under the Measuring Instruments Directive, which entered into force on October 20, 2006, the CE mark has replaced the crown stampJim Fitzpatrick, a junior trade minister.
The news comes after a written answer from Jim Fitzpatrick, a junior trade minister, in response to a question from another MP.
Adam Holloway, the Tory MP for Gravesham, had asked "whether EU rules allow the crown stamp to be used alongside the CE stamp on pint glasses".
Fitzpatrick replied: "No. Under the Measuring Instruments Directive, which entered into force on October 20, 2006, the CE mark has replaced the crown stamp to guarantee the accuracy of pint measures, including pint glasses.
"The directive does not permit the use of any other marking on the measure."
However, according to the Scotsman newspaper, he said there were no plans to force pubs to scrap their old glasses.
"Pint glasses which were marked with the crown stamp and placed on the market before that date remain lawful," the minister said.
