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Pint-sized bottles of wine will be allowed on UK shelves from autumn under new post-Brexit trade rules – but doubts have been raised over their demand.
Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said seven changes to pre-packaged wine sizes are due to come into force on 19 September.
Announcing the date in the House of Commons, he said the measure will support the “thriving” UK wine sector by providing opportunities for “innovation and greater choice”.
But the SNP’s Patrick Grady said the government should admit there is “little to no demand or interest for this supposedly glorious Brexit benefit”.
The move to introduce the 568ml size of wine, to sit alongside 200ml and 500ml measures already available, was announced in December and hailed by ministers as a Brexit “freedom”.
Pint bottles of Champagne were sold in the UK before Britain joined the European Common Market and were on shelves until 1973.
But their production ceased as they did not comply with EU weights and measures rules.
Mr Hollinrake told the Commons: “The 568ml pint quantity is one of seven changes in pre-packed wine sizes that are expected to come into force on 19 September 2024, supporting the thriving UK wine sector by providing opportunities for innovation and greater choice.”
However, Mr Grady said that was “nowhere near as definitive” as the government press release from December, which was headlined: “Pints of wine stocked on Britain’s shelves for the first time ever.”
Mr Grady said: “Not will be stocked, not might be stocked, not could be stocked, not to be stocked – it implied that pints of wine were and are available to buy right now in…
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