Sep 84 min read

What is the Weights and Measures function?

The Weights and Measures function is a regulatory system that ensures fairness in trade by ensuring that the weighing and measuring equipment used for the sale of goods is accurate, reliable, and conforms to legal standards. In the context of licensed premises and other businesses, weights and measures authorities play a key role in protecting consumers and maintaining trust in the marketplace.

Weights and Measures are now called Trading Standards. Trading Standards Officers are employed directly by individual Councils, with the remit to enforce Consumer Protection legislation. Licensing Professionals have written this breakdown of what weights and measures authorities do and why their role is important:

1. Ensuring Accurate Sales

Alcohol Sales in Licensed Premises: Weights and measures legislation ensures that the correct amount of alcohol is served in licensed premises (pubs, bars, restaurants, etc.). For example:
- Spirits (such as whiskey, gin, vodka): Must be sold in fixed quantities of 25 ml or 35 ml measures, or multiples thereof.
- Wine: Must be served in fixed measures, typically 125 ml, 175 ml, or 250 ml for glasses. For wine sold by the bottle, it should match the labeled volume (e.g., 750 ml).
- Beer and Cider: Must be sold by the pint or half-pint. The use of beer glasses with a line to show the legal measure is common to ensure the correct volume is served.
Compliance Checks: Weights and measures authorities check that premises are serving alcohol in the correct legal quantities. This ensures consumers get what they pay for and prevents businesses from short-serving.

2. Verification of Measuring Instruments

Calibrating Equipment: Weights and measures officers are responsible for checking and verifying measuring instruments used by businesses. In licensed premises, this includes:
- Optic Measures for Spirits: These are often used to dispense fixed measures of spirits. Weights and measures authorities ensure these devices are accurate and meet legal standards.
- Beer Pumps and Flow Meters: Equipment used to measure liquids (like beer) is checked to ensure it dispenses the correct amount of liquid per pour.
Tampering Prevention: Inspectors also ensure that measuring instruments have not been tampered with and continue to function accurately after regular use.

3. Consumer Protection

Fair Trading: The primary goal of weights and measures authorities is to protect consumers from being overcharged or deceived by inaccurate measurements. Whether buying food, fuel, or drinks, consumers rely on businesses using accurate weighing and measuring devices.
Compliance with Packaging Laws: Weights and measures legislation also ensures that pre-packaged goods (such as bottled drinks, food, and more) contain the exact amount stated on the label. For example, a bottle of beer labeled as 500 ml must contain that amount.

4. Business Compliance

Legal Enforcement: Businesses that sell goods by weight, volume, or measure must comply with regulations set out in the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and other related laws. Failure to comply with these laws can result in penalties, fines, and legal action.
Inspections: Weights and measures officers from Trading Standards regularly visit licensed premises and other businesses to check compliance with the law. They conduct inspections of measuring equipment, review sales practices, and take action against businesses that fail to meet legal standards.

5. Public Health and Safety

Accurate Labeling for Health and Safety: Weights and measures regulations help ensure accurate labeling of items, such as alcohol content or nutritional information on packaged food and drinks. This is crucial for consumers who need to make informed choices about their consumption, particularly for health-related reasons.
Regulation of Alcohol by Volume (ABV): For alcoholic beverages, weights and measures authorities ensure that labels indicating alcohol by volume (ABV) are correct. This helps consumers make informed decisions about alcohol consumption based on the strength of the beverage.

6. Education and Guidance for Businesses

Helping Businesses Understand the Law: Trading Standards officers also provide education and guidance to businesses to help them comply with the law. They advise on the correct use of measuring equipment, proper labeling practices, and how to avoid mistakes in measurement.
Promoting Best Practices: By working closely with businesses, trading standards authorities promote best practices that enhance transparency and customer trust.

7. Enforcement and Prosecution

Action Against Non-Compliance: If a business is found to be in breach of weights and measures regulations (e.g., using faulty equipment, under-serving, or misrepresenting quantities), officers have the authority to take enforcement action. This could involve:
- Issuing warnings.
- Seizing equipment that does not comply with standards.
- Fining the business.
- Prosecuting repeat offenders in court.
Investigations: In serious cases, where consumers are significantly disadvantaged or where there is suspicion of fraud, weights and measures officers may conduct thorough investigations into a business's practices.

8. Standards and Calibration

Maintaining National Standards: Trading Standards authorities maintain national standards of measurement and ensure that businesses' weighing and measuring devices are calibrated according to these standards.
Periodic Recalibration: Instruments used by businesses must be periodically recalibrated to ensure continued accuracy. Trading Standards officers inspect these instruments and verify that they meet the required specifications.