Large Pub Measures Towards Unsafe Levels Of Drinking

RCP president Ian Gilmore accused the pub industry of acting irresponsibly and urged it to put its house in order.

Some 14% of licensed premises say they now offer only 250ml sized wine glasses - equivalent to a third of a bottle.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers hit back that it was in the business of offering customers choice.

The 125ml wine glass used to be the standard size but now just 16% of pubs and bars say it is their normal size.

Some 73% say 175ml is the new "standard" and 250ml the large.

Maximise profits
Meanwhile, many premises have increased spirit measures from 25 to 35ml and offer doubles as standard.

BBC correspondent Keith Doyle said there was even anecdotal evidence that some pub staff were under pressure to maximise profits by encouraging customers to opt for larger drinks.
Industry magazine The Publican recently advised landlords to "train and incentivise staff to upsell products such as larger measures of wine and spirits".

However, the industry insists it merely offers what customers want and that larger sizes are better value for money.

Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: "We are in the business of customer choice, supersizing is where we are talking about king size beds, grande lattes.

"Yes, where we are talking about beer and wine size is increasing, but the trick is to offer value."

Safe limits
But as fears about a binge drinking epidemic mount, the trend has triggered a backlash from senior doctors and politicians.

Professor Gilmore warned: "There is no doubt at all that many people are drinking significantly more than they realise.

"People are aware of units, they want to stay within safe limits, but they are being pushed up way over those limits by just not realising what they are drinking.

"I think the industry is being irresponsible and needs to put its house in order."

Greg Mulholland, a Liberal Democrat health spokesman, has introduced a bill in the House of Commons to amend weights and measures legislation to force all bars, pubs, clubs and licensed restaurants offer the 125ml measure.

"Quite simply it's profiteering," he said.

"It's getting people to trade up, calling a 175ml measure - which is really a large - a standard glass, and calling a 250ml a large - when in fact it is a third of a bottle of wine, nearly half a pint.

"All I'm saying really is people should have a choice. If they want a smaller measure they should get it."