The Government has released its plans to turn back the clock to a time of imperial measurements and crown symbols on pints. The post-Brexit consultation promises to 'restore common sense' to the statute book by ditching 'overbearing EU rules'.
To coincide with the Platinum Jubilee, businesses can apply for the Crown symbol to be printed on pint glasses. As long ago as 1698, British pint glasses intended for measuring and serving beer were marked with a crown stamp as a declaration that the glass, when filled to the brim or to a line measure, accurately measured a pint of beer.
The crown stamp gave customers confidence that they were not being sold a short measure of beer. The symbol was replaced by the EU-wide ‘CE’ marking’ in 2006 in order to conform with EU rules in the UK.
Business Minister Paul Scully said: "This Platinum Jubilee weekend we’re raising a toast to Her Majesty The Queen’s health and service to this country. It’s a fitting tribute that we’re now helping businesses to restore the Crown symbol to pint glasses.
"While we think of our fruit and veg by the pound, the legacy of EU rules means we legally have to sell them by the kilo. Our consultation today will help shops to serve customers in the way their customers want."
The consultation will seek advice on allowing vegetables to be sold in pounds only, or in pounds with a less prominent metric equivalent, should businesses wish to do so. This will help inform the Government’s plans to legislate to give businesses choice in the units they use. There is no intention to require businesses to change their existing practices.
