The Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order consolidates and amends the Weights and Measures Act 1963 (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1984 as amended and implements Council Directive 88/316/EEC (OJ No. L 143, 10.6.1988, p. 26). Article 4 prescribes a range of quantities listed in Schedule 1 to this Order in which intoxicating liquor and certain other liquids may only be pre-packed. The principal changes introduced by this Order are as follows:—

(a)with effect from 1st January 1992, spirits and liqueurs are added to the list of items to be pre-packed in prescribed quantities except when pre-packed for consumption on board aircraft, ships and trains, or for sale duty-free; and the requirement to quantity mark is extended from 5 L to 10 L with effect from 1st January 1989;

(b)certain wines known as table wines and grape must are excluded from the list of items to be pre-packed in prescribed quantities if made up in securely closed containers before 1st January 1989; and the requirement to quantity mark is extended from 5 L to 10 L;

(c)with effect from 1st January 1991, sparkling wines are added to the list of items to be pre-packed in prescribed quantities except when pre-packed for consumption on board aircraft, ships and trains or for sale duty-free; and the requirement to quantity mark is extended from 5 L to 10 L with effect from 1st January 1989;

(d)the Order takes account of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System of the European Economic Community, known as the “harmonised system” which includes a Combined Nomenclature replacing the previous Common Customs Tariff Nomenclature.