Scottish Government
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Smaller wine glass campaign launched

Businesses encouraged to stock 125ml measures

Bars and pubs across Scotland are being encouraged to increase the availability of 125ml wine measures, as part of a new campaign.

The 125ml campaign is being launched today (21 January) by the Scottish Government Alcohol Industry Partnership (SGAIP) – a collaboration between government and the drinks industry.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson is calling on businesses across Scotland to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol by making available smaller 125ml measures of wine to customers.

Speaking at McSorleys bar in Edinburgh as he launched the campaign, Mr Matheson said: “Tackling Scotland’s difficult relationship with alcohol is one of the government’s key priorities. All too often we see only medium and large size measures of wine available behind the bar and this can mean people end up drinking more than they realise.

“A large glass of wine can contain over three units of alcohol, which is in excess of a woman’s daily recommended intake of alcohol and equivalent to a man’s recommended daily intake. Clearly it is important that people have the ability to choose a smaller measure if they wish and by offering the 125ml measure, businesses are giving their customers the opportunity to drink responsibly.

“This simple, yet effective, step is part of our wider Alcohol Framework, which consists of over 40 measures, and sets out how we are tackling the problem of alcohol misuse. We welcome the action from the industry to promote it, increasing consumer choice and promoting responsible drinking.”

The SGAIP is a partnership between the Scottish Government and the alcohol industry that works to deliver joint initiatives which promote responsible drinking and reduce alcohol related harm.

Paul Waterson, Chief Executive, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), said: “Our members fully support this initiative. It fits perfectly with the SLTA's commitment to promote responsible retailing and help reduce alcohol harm. Our customers have told us that they welcome increased choice and that the offer of small, medium or large glasses of wine in our premises will make them think more about the amount of alcohol they are consuming.”

Patrick Browne, Chief Executive, Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “As an Association we are fully supportive of the initiative and will commend it to our member companies, their pubs, and the wider licensed trade.”

Businesses are being encouraged to support the voluntary 125ml campaign by:

Making available a 125ml measure for wine;

  • Pricing the 125ml option on menus where possible;
  • Displaying materials promoting the 125ml measure for wine;
  • Ensuring staff know the additional 125ml wine measure is now available to customers.

Artwork and materials for businesses are available from the campaign website www.125mlwine.org.


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