THE Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP) and Best Bar None Scotland are working together to raise the awareness of 125ml wine measures within licensed premises.
Smaller wine glass sizes in pubs and clubs can help to promote responsible consumption and contribute to positive public health.
This new phase of the campaign previously launched by the SAIP, a collaboration of leading alcohol producers, trade associations and the Scottish Government, will be integrated into the Best Bar None Scotland scoring booklets and assessments for 2018.
The aim is to encourage venue participation and increase consumer knowledge of the option for smaller wine measures.
Douglas Meikle of the SAIP said: “The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership is delighted to be working with Best Bar None on this initiative to drive the promotion of 125ml wine measures and offer consumers greater choice.”
Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “In 2017, there was enough alcohol sold in Scotland for every adult to drink around 40 bottles of vodka or more than 100 bottles of wine. This is 40% more than the low-risk weekly guidelines of 14 units of alcohol per adult.
“People often aren’t aware of how much they’re consuming,” he continued. “A large glass of wine can contain more than three units of alcohol so it’s important that people know the smaller measure is available as they aren’t always given the option.
“I’m really pleased that Best Bar None and the SAIP are supporting this and would encourage all licensed premises to provide 125ml measures, promote responsible drinking and do their bit to help reduce alcohol-related harm across Scotland.”
Best Bar None Scotland’s Arlene Campbell said: “Best Bar None supports the 125ml campaign, working with our partners and network of venues across Scotland with this enhanced offer of choice for their patrons.
“Pubs, bars, hotels and venues will be displaying materials which I would ask customers to look out for and consider their options when out with friends or family.”
Best Bar None operates throughout Scotland and over 400 venues have been accredited as part of the scheme. It is sponsored by Diageo, Heineken, Tennents, Edrington-Beam Suntory and Chivas Brothers-Pernod Ricard, and is supported by Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, the SLTA and the Scottish Government.