More than 100 licensed premises across East Dunbartonshire will be the first in Scotland to trial an important new consumer campaign.
New research conducted by YouGov reveals that 70% of adults don’t know how much wine is in a small, medium or large glass – with nearly half of customers surveyed opting for a large glass which can contain over three units of alcohol.
The 100 plus bars, restaurants and hotels will extend the range of options for consumers by offering customers a wider choice when they are ordering a glass of wine. Now bars and restaurants will be offering wine in smaller 125 ml measures.
The initiative is a pilot for a campaign launched last year by the Scottish Government Alcohol Industry Partnership (SGAIP). The SGAIP aims to promote responsible drinking and reduce alcohol related harm and make it easier for consumers to drink responsibly.
Speaking at the launch event at Garvie & Co, Milngavie. Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “The Scottish Government is committed to changing Scotland’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol and responsible drinking.
“It is important that people have the choice of a smaller measure if they wish and by offering the 125ml measure, businesses are giving their customers the opportunity to drink responsibly.
“This simple, yet effective step is part of our wider Alcohol Framework, which contains over 40 measures and sets out how we are tackling alcohol misuse. We welcome the action from the industry to promote it, increasing consumer choice and promoting responsible drinking.”
Rhondda Geekie, Council Leader for East Dunbartonshire Council said: “We’re pleased to welcome this campaign to East Dunbartonshire and will be encouraging all our licensed premises to participate and to lead the way in Scotland by offering their customers greater choice to help increase their drink awareness”
Paul Waterson, Chief Executive, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), said: We are delighted to be involved in the launch of the 125ml campaign in East Dunbartonshire. The campaign itself fits perfectly with the SLTA’s commitment to promote responsible retailing and help reduce alcohol harm. Our customers have told us that they welcome increased choice in our premises and that this initiative will make them think more about the amount of alcohol they are consuming. We urge all premises to offer the 125ml measure. ”
