8 September 2006

Media Release  


Trading Standards Announce Results of ‘Fair Measure Fortnight’: 
45 % of measures tested contain less than stated amount.

SCOTSS today released the results of their ‘Fair Measure Fortnight' 
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 31st of July and 18th August, Trading Standards 
Officers in 25 of Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities visited 193 
licensed premises.

A total of 343 samples were purchased; of these only 39 were on 
target while a staggering 155 (45% of the total) resulted in short 
measure i.e. 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 third of the 
measures tested (37%) were less than expected.

Nearly the same number 148 samples (43% of total) resulted in an 
over measure and three authorities found an average over measure 
of more than 11% from all samples taken.
 
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 4% of the total.

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

Announcing the results, Ken Daly, 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 Daly added, 
“It is a matter of concern that just over 10% of 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 
looks forward to working with Trading Standards to review and update 
existing training to make sure licensees' legal responsibilities are 
met.'

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 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, [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
43 Clouston Street
Glasgow G20 8QP
Tel: 0141 946 4257
Mob: 07769 715243

angela.blair@scotss.org.uk