Two-thirds 'schooner' measure to be made legal

Pubs will be legally allowed to sell beer in two-third pint "schooners" and wine in measures under 75ml, as part of new government plans to offer "flexibility".

Science minister David Willets confirmed today the coalition wants to scrap laws banning certain measures of drinks being sold.

Under the current rules, licensees cannot sell wine in less than a 125ml measure, while beer must be sold in thirds, halves or multiples of half-pints.

But the new laws will mean licensees can sell the Australian "schooner" measure and serve samples of wine.

This will "take account of changes to trade practice and consumer demand in recent years", the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) said.

Fortified wine, such as sherry or port, will also be able to be sold in smaller measures - 50ml and 70ml.

"This is exactly the sort of unnecessary red tape the government wants to remove," said Willetts.

"No pub or restaurant should break the law by selling a customer a sample of wine.

"We have listened to consumers and businesses. They have called for fixed quantities to be kept but with greater flexibility. That is what this change will deliver.

"We are freeing businesses so they can innovate and create new products to meet the demands of their customers."

A BIS spokeswoman, pressed on whether the new rules were also designed to tackle binge-drinking, said it would be more of a "happy side-effect" than the primary reason for introducing the changes.

The changes will be introduced through a statutory instrument to be laid before Parliament in the coming months.

• Would you sell beer in a "schooner" measure? Please email news@thepublican.com to let us know