18 July 2006

Media Release  


Trading Standards Announce ‘Fair Measure Fortnight’. 

With the summer tourist season in full swing many pubs and 
hotels across Scotland are to be tested as Trading Standards 
chiefs announce the launch of ‘Fair Measure Fortnight', one 
of a number of nationally co-ordinated trading standards 
projects planned for the summer period.

Local authority Trading Standards Officers will be working 
together on a project to ensure spirit measures sold in pubs 
provide a fair deal for consumers. 

The project will involve test purchases made between 31st of 
July and 18th August, and advice given to businesses where 
appropriate. The object of the exercise is to give a national 
snapshot of the accuracy of spirit measures from public houses.
The project is being co-ordinated by SCOTSS, the Society of 
Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland.

Announcing details of the sweep, Ken Daly, Chairman of SCOTSS said, 
“The sale of alcohol by a legal measure is a traditional element 
of trading standards work. It is against the law for any licensed 
premises to provide quantities less than stated on the notice, 
which they must display by the bar area.” 

“I hope that consumers and licensed traders will welcome this 
project, it is in everyone’s interest that accurate measures are 
sold throughout Scotland especially over the summer holiday period 
when there are so many visitors to Scotland’s pubs and restaurants.”

Mr Daly added, 
“This is not about encouraging irresponsible drinking but it is 
about licensees making sure their staff are trained properly to 
ensure the public receive fair measure for their money. Results 
of the project will be known by the end of the summer and any 
instances of substantial deficiencies may result in the seller 
being reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Colin Wilkinson, secretary of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association 
added:
'Responsible licensees have nothing to fear from this initiative.  
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association fully supports the professional 
development and training of staff in licensed premises and has worked 
in the past with Trading Standards to produce a training manual and 
video for staff entitled 'Do You Measure Up'.   This project focuses 
on the proper use of various measuring methods, and licensees' and 
staff's legal responsibility to correctly pour such measures.

If anyone wishes further information on the work trading standards 
undertake in relation to weights and measures, or any other legislative 
area they should contact their local office which can be found through 
the SCOTSS website www.scotss.org.uk 

 
ENDS

Note to Editors
•	SCOTSS Is the professional body which represents trading standards 
services in all 32 Scottish Local Authorities. It coordinates fair trading, 
safety and weights & measures issues across the country. As a section of 
the Trading Standards Institute its purpose is to promote excellence and 
enhance the professionalism of its members in support of informing consumers, 
encouraging honest businesses and targeting rogue traders.

•	This project will involve statutory duties that local authorities 
have under the Weights & Measures Act 1985 to ensure that quantities prescribed 
for public sale are provided accurately as indicated. There are criminal 
penalties of a fine up to £5000 for anyone who provides inaccurate measures.

•	Other projects planned for the summer period include checking that 
traders do not supply age restricted goods to young persons [eg tobacco, 
solvents, spray paints] and [in partnership with VisitScotland] that Scottish 
Hotels and B&Bs are correctly displaying accommodation ratings.

•	The Scottish Licensed Trade Association, [10 Walker Street, Edinburgh, 
EH13 7LA], is the trade association that represents all aspects of Scotland's 
licensed trade.  Contact Colin Wilkinson, 0131 225 5169.

•	SCOTSS spokespeople are available for interview; please contact Angela 
Blair, SCOTSS Coordinator  for further details

•	For a full copy of the project parameters please contact Angela Blair, 
SCOTSS Coordinator