How to ensure compliance with weights and measures

To comply with UK law, any equipment used to sell products by quantity—such as wine glasses, spirit measures, and beer pumps—must be government-approved and marked with a specific trade stamp. Selling "short measures" is a criminal offence under the Weights and Measures Act, so you must ensure every thimble, optic, and pint glass bears the crown stamp or the modern 'M' mark before you serve your first customer.

Understanding Trade-Approved Markings

When purchasing equipment for your bar or restaurant, you cannot simply use standard household glassware or unverified scales. You must look for specific markings that prove the item has been tested for accuracy. Historically, this was the crown stamp, but modern equipment will feature the UKCA or CE mark alongside an 'M' (which stands for Metrology) and the year it was manufactured.

• Spirit Measures: These must be used for gin, rum, vodka, and whisky. Standard measures in the UK are 25ml or 35ml (or multiples thereof).
• Beer and Cider: Must be served in third, half, or full pints. The glass itself must be stamped if you are pouring directly into it.
• Wine: If sold by the glass, it must be served in 125ml, 175ml, or multiples thereof. You can use stamped glasses or stamped carafes.

Step-by-Step Compliance

1. Audit your menu: Identify every item you sell by volume or weight. This includes draught beers, spirits, wines by the glass, and even deli items if sold by the gram.
2. Source from reputable suppliers: Only buy glassware and measures from catering wholesalers who explicitly state their products are "Lined and Stamped" or "Government Stamped for Trade."
3. Decide on your serving style: Choose between "to the brim" glasses, where the rim of the glass is the measure, or "lined" glasses, which have a fill-line etched into the side. Lined glasses are often better for preventing spills and ensuring staff don't over-pour.
4. Check your scales: If you sell food by weight, your scales must be 'Class III' trade-approved. Kitchen scales used for recipes are not legal for use at the point of sale.
5. Train your team: Ensure staff know how to use measures correctly. For example, a spirit thimble must be filled to the very top to be accurate.

Best Practices for Maintenance

Compliance isn't a one-time task; it requires regular monitoring to ensure you stay on the right side of Trading Standards. Use the following table as a quick reference for your equipment checks:

Tip: Keep a "Weights and Measures" file. Store your receipts and any calibration certificates for scales in one place. If a Trading Standards officer visits, being able to show you have a proactive system for checking your measures goes a long way.