Two-thirds pub pint plan

Pubs would be able to sell draught beer and cider in two-third of a pint measures under new proposals.

Very small glasses of wine - below 75ml - could also be served for tasting and sampling under the suggestions.

However, the new consultation also asks whether the "quantities of wine permitted to be sold by the glass are sufficient to protect public health".

The plans are contained in a consultation into food and drink measures, released today by the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML).

The NWML said the plan for two-thirds of a pint measures "has been proposed by the beer and pub trade to allow greater flexibility in the service of draught beers, especially those with a higher alcohol content".

It would be in addition to current legal measures of a pint, half-pint and third of a pint.

A spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association said: "It would be a small change in the law, but a useful one - it won't be for every venue or every customer, but it's about giving customers more choice.

"Third pints are a legal measure, so why not make the law consistent and make two third legal as well? For some customers, some styles of beer will just seem right for a two thirds pint. So let's allow the choice."

The consultation, which ends on 1 January, also asks whether fortified wines should continue to be subject to set measures.

See www.nwml.gov.uk​.