You will soon be able to buy 'pints' of wine in pubs and shops
27.12.2023 - 14:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Shoppers will soon be able to purchase 'pint'-sized bottles of wine. The Department for Business and Trade announced today (December 27) that a new 568ml size will be introduced to Britain's supermarket shelves, as well as pubs, clubs and restaurants.
The government department has said the new size will sit alongside 200ml and 500ml measures already available, and offer more 'flexibility and choices' for customers.
Technically, pint bottles of champagne were sold in the UK before Britain joined the European Common Market and were available on supermarket shelves until 1973. Production ceased as it did not comply with European Union weight and measurement rules.
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The Department for Business and Trade has said that 900 vineyards - which currently produce around 12.2 million bottles of still or sparkling wine a year - are set to benefit from the new post-Brexit "freedoms". It added that the optional reforms are "wholeheartedly" backed by the industry.
The Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said: "Innovation, freedom and choice – that’s what today’s announcement gives to producers and consumers alike.
"Our exit from the EU was all about moments just like this, where we can seize new opportunities and provide a real boost to our great British wineries and further growing the economy."
Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, added: "We welcome the chance to be able to harmonise still and sparkling bottle sizes and we are happy to raise a glass to the greater choice that allows