Increasing choice: smaller wine glasses launched across East Dunbartonshire

There are few things nicer than a glass of wine after a long day at work '“ especially in this lovely warm weather.
New wine glass size launchNew wine glass size launch
New wine glass size launch

But if you are planning to pop out for your favourite tipple in a pub, restaurant or cafe in East Dunbartonshire you might be interested to know that a new month-long pilot project is now offering customers the choice to opt for a smaller glass size.

It’s all part of an innovative initiative that has seen the authority try and persuade people to choose a smaller 125ml size, instead of the usual 175ml and 250ml sizes.

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The initiative is being backed by the Kirkintilloch Herald which is the media sponsor.

The pilot is the first of its kind anywhere in Scotland and is being spearheaded by the council’s licensees unit.

This has managed to bring on board 90 licensed premised throughout the authority which will then aim at offering customers across the region more consumer choice.

The trial will run from today (Wednesday) and the initial reception from publicans and restaurateurs has been positive.

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Many say that anything that increases choice for customers is to be welcomed.

And this appears to be backed up by a new survey which focused on consumer awareness and attitudes among wine drinkers.

It revealed that 71 per cent of those interviewed in East Dunbartonshire would support the introduction of the smaller wine measure.

And a further 46 per cent of those interviewed acknowledged that they do think about the amount of wine in the glass when buying a drink.

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The survey by Spreng Thomson consultancy, was conducted on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and licensing advisors at East Dunbartonshire Council who work directly with licensees across the authority.

This latest initiative builds on a joint campaign launched in the area last year. Before the pilot scheme was rolled out a total of 100 people were interviewed across East Dunbartonshire in May to gauge opinion.

Mark Currie, general manager of the newly refurbished Boclair House Hotel in Bearsden, said: “The survey findings are reassuring. We are delighted to hear that 71 per cent of people support the introduction of the 125ml.

People are more conscious of making healthy lifestyle choices and that might include ordering a smaller glass of wine now and again.”

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The Herald went out on to the streets of Kirkintilloch to speak to locals about the initiative.

James Travers, (62) from Kirkintilloch admitted he is more of a spirits man than wine.

He said: “I have friends who drink wine so it will affect them more than me. I think it is a good idea, but I just hope they charge the right prices for the smaller sizes.

“Prices can be manipulated and this would be wrong. If you go out to enjoy yourself you don’t want to pay more for less.”

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One of the unintended consequence of this said Mr Travers was that it would “encourage more people to sit in and drink wine at home”.

And backing has come from Miss Stirlingshire, Olivia McPike, who works at Mariana in Kirkintilloch.

She said: “I’m proud to support this campaign and that my local area is taking the lead in setting a positive example for other areas in Scotland that might want to support offering the 125ml wine measure too.

“It’s important to look after yourself and your health, and a campaign like this makes it easier for people to think about how much they’re actually drinking by providing more choice.”

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Paul Lorraine, manager of The Lion and Star pub in Kirkintilloch, added: “I think this is a fantastic idea and we will price it accordingly.

“ It is also a great way of trying a new wine. Some people may be put off trying a new wine, but smaller glasses makes this easier.

“We are fully behind this and can’t see any issues.

“It gives people more choice which can only be a good thing.

“We already have the coasters and stickers to put in the windows to advertise it.”

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The council said that businesses were being encouraged to support the voluntary 125ml campaign by pricing smaller glasses accordingly on menus where possible.

Other establishments taking part in the pilot scheme include: La Vita, Bishopbriggs; Burnbrae pub, Bearsden, Smiths Hotel, Kirkintilloch; The Torrance Inn; Cyan, Milngavie; The Station, Bearsden; Eagle Lodge and Garvie & Co., Milngavie.