Information Bulletin
27 July 2006
Trading Standards Announce 'Fair Measure Fortnight'
With the summer tourist season in full swing many pubs and hotels across Scotland are to be tested as Trading Standards announce the launch of ‘Fair Measure Fortnight', one of a number of nationally co-ordinated trading standards projects planned for the summer period.
Shetland Islands Council’s Trading Standards Officers will be working with their colleagues in other local authorities on a project to ensure spirit measures sold in pubs provide a fair deal for consumers.
The project will involve test purchases made between 31st of July and 18th August, and advice given to businesses where appropriate. The object of the exercise is to give a national snapshot of the accuracy of spirit measures from public houses. The project is being co-ordinated by SCOTSS, the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland.
Announcing details of the sweep, Ken Daly, Chairman of SCOTSS said, “The sale of alcohol by a legal measure is a traditional element of trading standards work. It is against the law for any licensed premises to provide quantities less than stated on the notice, which they must display by the bar area.”
“I hope that consumers and licensed traders will welcome this project, it is in everyone’s interest that accurate measures are sold throughout Scotland especially over the summer holiday period when there are so many visitors to Scotland’s pubs and restaurants.”
Mr Daly added, “This is not about encouraging irresponsible drinking but it is about licensees making sure their staff are trained properly to ensure the public receive fair measure for their money. Results of the project will be known by the end of the summer and any instances of substantial deficiencies may result in the seller being reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Colin Wilkinson, secretary of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association added:
“Responsible licensees have nothing to fear from this initiative. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association fully supports the professional development and training of staff in licensed premises and has worked in the past with Trading Standards to produce a training manual and video for staff entitled 'Do You Measure Up'. This project focuses on the proper use of various measuring methods, and licensees' and staff's legal responsibility to correctly pour such measures.”
Councillor Willie Tait, Spokesperson for Health and Public Protection, welcomed the Council’s participation. “This is good for visitors, Shetland folk and honest traders alike, and helps everyone to have confidence in our local businesses.”
Ends.
NOTES
SCOTSS Is the professional body which represents trading standards services in all 32 Scottish Local Authorities. It coordinates fair trading, safety and weights & measures issues across the country. As a section of the Trading Standards Institute its purpose is to promote excellence and enhance the professionalism of its members in support of informing consumers, encouraging honest businesses and targeting rogue traders.
This project will involve statutory duties that local authorities have under the Weights & Measures Act 1985 to ensure that quantities prescribed for public sale are provided accurately as indicated. There are criminal penalties of a fine up to £5000 for anyone who provides inaccurate measures.
Other SCOTSS projects planned for the summer period include checking that traders do not supply age restricted goods to young persons [eg tobacco, solvents, spray paints] and [in partnership with VisitScotland] that Scottish Hotels and B&Bs are correctly displaying accommodation ratings.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association, [10 Walker Street, Edinburgh, EH13 7LA], is the trade association that represents all aspects of Scotland's licensed trade. Contact Colin Wilkinson, 0131 225 5169.
The Council’s Trading Standards web pages at www.shetland.gov.uk/tradingstandards have information about the work the Service does throughout the year, together with advice and information for consumers and businesses and links to other useful websites.
For advice on any consumer issue, either as an individual or on behalf of a business, people in Shetland can call Consumer Direct on 08454040506, Citizens Advice on 01595694696, or Trading Standards on 01595744800.
The Trading Standards Service is based at the Council’s Grantfield offices, where they can also be contacted by email to trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk or fax 01595 695887.
David Marsh, Shetland Islands Council’s Trading Standards Service Manager, is available for interview if required – please contact trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk or call 01595744800.