Memorandum by Sue Otty (AL70)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
My submission is about the lack of choice in
the size of glasses of wine offered by a pub/bar restaurant, and
the possibility that the removal of a glass size of 125ml may
contribute to the over-consumption of alcohol by the public. I
also comment on the practice of large bar chains to do special
offers, which still continues, despite advice from those concerned
about excessive drinking.
1. I have no area of expertise in this matter.
I am submitting this memo as a visitor to pubs/bars and restaurants,
and as someone who lives close to the centre of Bristol and witnesses,
during the evenings, the unpleasant behaviour of those who have
consumed vast quantities of drink.
2. It is now impossible to buy a 125ml glass
of wine. A glass of wine comes only in two sizes; a "small"
glass is now 175ml and a "large" glass is 250ml.
3. I would like the choice of being able to buy
a 125ml glass. If another drink were offered, I could have another
small one. This is much better than having two of the current
"small glasses.
4. The strength of wine is on the increase. Two
of the current "small" glasses could easily take one
over the limit.
5. I have noticed that several chains offer such
inducements as "buy 2 large glasses and get the rest
of the bottle free". This seems to me to be completely irresponsible.
6. I would like to recommend that all premises
serving alcohol should be legally obliged to offer 125ml glasses
of wine.
7. I would also like to recommend that the local
licensing authorities should be given the duty to keep a watch
on all inducements offered to the public (such as the one referred
to in paragraph five), and have the power to order the establishment
to cease to offer them. I know this is difficult, because the
pub/bar will argue that their drinkers are not causing the regrettable
scenes which occur through public drunken behaviour, but it does
not seem as though voluntary agreements work.
June 2009
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