The Weights and Measures (Various Foods) (Amendment) Order 1990

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order (S.I. 1988/2039)and the Weights and Measures (Miscellaneous Foods) Order 1988 (S.I. 1988/2040).

Article 2 makes the following amendments to S.I. 1988/2039:—

(i) in article 3(1), the metric quantity of 25 ml is added to the prescribed imperial quantities in which gin, rum, vodka and whisky may be sold for consumption on the premises. Sales in the imperial quantities (1/4, 1/5 and 1/6 gill) will not be permitted after 31st December 1994;

(ii) a new article, 5A, provides that from1st January 1995, still table wine sold by the glass may only be in quantities of 125 ml and 175 ml (or in multiples of these quantities)and when customers have been made aware of this by means of a written statement that they may readily see;

(iii) in Part I of Schedule 1, there are three changes which implement Council Directive 89/676/EEC (OJ No. L398, 30.12.19 89, p18).

Four and eight litres are added to the range of prescribed quantities for the pre-packed still table wines described there.

The restriction on pre-packing the 18.7 cl quantity, ie that it is only available for consumption on aircraft and ships, is lifted in part so as also to permit consumption on trains and duty-free sales.

Any quantity of not more than 25 cl may now be pre-packed for consumption on the premises of the seller.

Article 3 makes the following amendments to S.I. 1988/2040:—

(i) in article 2, the definition of “coffee bag” is amended so as to include its use for percolation;

(ii) in article 3, the exemption from prescribed quantities and quantity marking for pre-packed cut lump salt is revoked;

(iii) in Schedule 1, there are changes in respect of barley kernels etc and tea. The range of imperial prescribed quantities for pre-packed barley kernels, pearl barley, rice, sago, semolina and tapioca is revoked. Transitional provisions are made in article 4 which provide for imperial quantities pre-packed during a period of six months from the date this order comes into force and for their retail sale during a period of 12 months from that date.

The range of quantities for tea other than tea in a tea bag is amended to make clear that it does not apply to instant tea. A note is added to make clear that the prescribed quantities and quantity marking that apply to tea bags do not include the weight of the bags.