Desperate measures? Pubs back small glasses

SCOTLAND’S pubs are to urge people to order small glasses of wine in the latest bid to tackle binge-drinking.

Posters will advertise 125ml measures and staff will promote these to customers who are ordering drinks.

Venues will be also assessed on their willingness to push smaller measures as part of a scheme to encourage ‘responsible drinking’.

The move has been launched by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, which represents manufacturers and trade associations. It follows the roll out of minimum pricing for alcohol, which came into effect last month.

Last year, enough alcohol was sold in Scotland for every adult to drink around 40 bottles of vodka – or more than 100 bottles of wine. This is 40 per cent more than the guideline of 14 units a week for adults.

Now, the Best Bar None Scotland campaign aims to improve standards in venues, including safety and customer care. Premises can apply for accreditation through the voluntary scheme.

It will encourage pubs, bars and hotels to offer alternative glass sizes for beer and cider, such as a third or two-thirds of a pint, along with non-alcoholic ‘mocktails’ or ‘craft sodas’.

The campaign’s Arlene Campbell said: ‘Our venues are assessed on their social responsibility commitments and this campaign forms part of the enhanced standards in support of the Licensing Objective Protecting and Improving Public Health.’

Incoming Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick said: ‘People often aren’t aware of how much they’re consuming. A large glass of wine can contain more than three units of alcohol, so it’s important that people know the smaller measure is available.’

Alison Douglas of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: ‘Customers in every bar, restaurant and club should have the option of a 125ml glass, rather than it being left to the discretion of individual premises.’