Specified Quantities: Weights and Measures Law

The selling of certain goods must take place in fixed sizes called 'specified quantities'. But, the specified quantities regulations for selling alcohol differ depending on whether it's sold by the glass or the bottle.

Specified Quantities Alcohol (by the glass)

  • Still wine: The rules apply to measures of 125 ml, 175 ml, multiples of 125 ml and 175 ml
  • Port, sherry, or other fortified wine: Measures of 50 ml, 70 ml, multiples of 50 ml or 70 ml
  • Gin, rum, vodka, and whisky: Measures of either 25 ml and multiples of 25 ml, or 35 ml and multiples of 35 ml (not both on the same premises)
  • Draught beer and cider: Measures of a third, half, two-thirds of a pint and multiples of half a pint

Note: Specified quantities do not exist for sparkling wine or for yellow wine sold by the glass. The same applies to most spirits excluding rum, gin, vodka and whisky.


Alcohol Packaged in Bottles, Boxes (or similar)

  • Still wine: 100, 187, 250, 375, 500, 750, 1000, 1500 volume by millilitre (ml)
  • Yellow wine: 620
  • Sparkling wine: 125, 200, 375, 750, 1500
  • Fortified wine: 100, 200, 375, 500, 750, 1000, 1500
  • Spirit drinks: 100, 200, 350, 500, 700, 1000, 1500, 1750, 2000

Note: The regulations allow the selling of packaged alcohol in any volume providing it is below the minimum or above the maximum specified quantities allowed.

  • Still wine: Minimum 100 (ml) and Maximum 1500 (ml)
  • Yellow wine: 100 (ml) and 1500 (ml)
  • Sparkling wine: 125 (ml) and 1500 (ml)
  • Fortified wine: 100 (ml) 1500 (ml)
  • Spirit drinks: 100 (ml) 2000 (ml)

Note: There are no specified quantities regulations for weights and measures on packaged beer or cider.


Specified Quantities Regulations Solid fuel

Traders can sell sealed bags of solid fuel in any size. But, the rules on specified quantities apply to solid fuel sold loose. In this case, you would only be able to sell it in quantities of:

  • 25 kilogrammes (kg)
  • 50 kilogrammes (kg)
  • 50 kilogrammes (multiples)


ALSO IN THIS SECTION

Weights and Measures Regulations | How units of measurement law applies to packaged or loose goods.

Packaged Goods | A guide explaining the two systems of packing products (i.e. minimum and average).


Specified Quantities Regulations: Weights and Measures in United Kingdom