Media Release  

Date:  6th October 2010
 
Trading Standards announce results of investigation into use of spirit
measures in pubs - ‘Fair Measure 2010’ - and finds a wide variation, 
both short and overmeasure, from the stated amount.

SCOTSS today released the results of their ‘Fair Measure 2010’ Project
which took place over the late summer in the period coinciding with 
the Edinburgh Festival and the busiest time of year for tourism in Scotland.
  
The object of the project, which was co-ordinated by SCOTSS, the 
Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, was to check 
the accuracy of spirit measures sold in pubs right across Scotland. 
Between 1st of August and 17th September, Trading Standards Officers 
in 18 of Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities visited 189 licensed premises.

A total of 370 samples were purchased; of these a disappointing 166 (45% 
of the total) resulted in a short measure less than the 25ml or 35ml 
legal spirit measure sold in each premises. Some authorities reported 
individual deficiencies of 20% or more with one authority finding that 
over a half of the measures tested (55%) were less than expected.

A slightly higher number of 204 samples (55% of total) resulted in an 
over measure and with twelve authorities reporting individual over 
measures of 20% or more, and three authorities finding the highest 
over measure of more than 35%, from all samples taken. The highest 
over measure reported was 57% which could have led to a significant 
risk in relation to consumers who might have been driving, or for 
medical reasons needed to monitor their alcohol intake.
 
Results of under and over measures are spread fairly consistently throughout
the country. In the majority of cases the over or under measure was very 
small amounting to less than 5% of the total.

In most cases publicans have been issued with guidance on how to 
ensure correct measures are dispensed, or been issued with a warning
letter. However, where short measure has been significant reports will 
be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Announcing the results, David Roderick, Chairman of SCOTSS said, 
“This is a very disappointing outcome and the results certainly justify
local authorities carrying out this sort of project. The extremes of 
measures at both ends of the spectrum show that we need to work with 
the licensed trade to train staff to provide accurate measures to consumers”

Mr Roderick added, 
“It is a matter of concern that few measures tested were completely 
accurate. For health and safety reasons as well as the obvious fair 
measure, Scottish consumers need to have confidence in the accuracy 
of measures of all types of alcohol that are supplied in licensed premises.” 

It is intended that as one of the outcomes of the project SCOTSS will 
work with members of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association on updated 
training for traders.

Colin Wilkinson, secretary of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association 
added:
'The results of this survey emphasise the need for licensees and their
staff to receive the proper training in all aspects of managing licensed
premises.  The Scottish Licensed Trade Association now has an online 
'Servewise' course for staff training, and will work with Trading 
Standards to make sure that relevant legislation is adequately covered.'

If anyone wishes further information on the work that local authority 
trading standards services 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 involved 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.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association is the trade association 
that represents all aspects of Scotland's licensed trade.  Contact 
Colin Wilkinson, 0131 535 1062.

SCOTSS spokespeople are available for interview; please contact 
Neil Chalmers, SCOTSS Coordinator for further details

For a full copy of the project parameters please contact:

Neil Chalmers SCOTSS Coordinator  coordinator@scotss.org.uk