Pubs will soon be allowed to serve beer in two-thirds of a pint measures, under new Government plans.
The option of introducing a two-thirds — or "twother" — measure alongside current current legal measures of a pint, half-pint and third of a pint, follows pressure from the pub industry for the change.
The industry believes it will offer greater flexibility for serving draught beer and cider, especially those with a higher alcohol content.
"There is no question of replacing the British pint, but introducing the option of a new imperial measure is good news for consumers, providing them with more choice," said Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson.
"And the majority of respondents to the consultation supported our view that the two-thirds of a pint measure will also offer greater flexibility for landlords, while not imposing any extra burden on them."
Other measures included in proposed changes are:
• Allowing wine servings of less than 75ml to aid in tasting sessions
• Replacing the existing quantities for fortified wines with smaller quantities of 50ml and 70ml
• Bringing the sale of Brandy into line with other spirits by requiring its sale in specified quantities of 25ml and 35ml
• Deregulation for the quantities of unwrapped bread.
The proposals follow a consultation earlier in the year and will require changes to legislation, which the Government will bring forward "at the first available opportunity".
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said: "We are delighted Government has legalised the two thirds of a pint, for which the BBPA has been lobbying long and hard for many years.
"Pubs will now enjoy greater flexibility and our customers will now be able to have even greater choice about how to enjoy their beer. While the pint of beer remains a great British icon, a wider choice is better suited to today's tastes and lifestyles. As a lower strength drink with a wide variety of styles, tastes and flavours beer will now also be enjoyed in a richer range of measures and glass styles."
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