HC Deb 10 May 1994 vol 243 cc76-7W
Mr. Nicholls

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what legislative changes he intends to propose to amend the quantities in which spirits may be sold for consumption on licensed premises.

Mr. McLoughlin

My noble Friend Lord Strathclyde has today laid before Parliament the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) (Amendment) Order 1994 and the Measuring Equipment (Capacity Measures) (Amendment) Regulations 1994. The order has been laid for approval by resolution of each House of Parliament. The regulations have been made before laying and are subject to the negative resolution procedure.

Current legislation provides that gin, rum, vodka and whisky may be served in a quantity of ¼ gill, ⅕ gill, ⅙ gill, or 25 ml and that the three imperial quantities be phased out by the end of this year. The new legislation will allow a second metric quantity of 35 ml and thereby allow those licensees—principally in Scotland—who, at present, sell spirits in either ¼ or ⅕ gill to continue to serve a more generous measure.