Monday 19 February 2018
Guernsey Trading Standards is today embarking on a six-week public consultation on proposed changes to weights and measures legislation in the Bailiwick.
The proposed changes will bring Guernsey, Alderney and Herm into line with the UK and Europe, enabling businesses to compete on a level playing field.
The proposed changes include the removal of all controls over the quantities in which the majority of pre-packed foods can be packed, changes to the rules relating to pre-packed and unwrapped bread, the introduction of 2/3 pint as a legal measure for the sale of draught beer and cider, the introduction of metric units and quantities to bring the law up-to-date and the removal of controls on pre-packed liquor produced for duty free sale outside the Bailiwick or the EU.
Imperial units of measurement, such as pounds and ounces or gallons and pints, will continue to be legal under the proposed changes, which also allow the sale of herbs by net weight, by number, or by the bunch.
'The current Weights and Measures law in Guernsey and Alderney is out of date when compared to the UK and Europe' said Chief Trading Standards Officer, David Mullins.
'The changes centre on three specific areas, namely the deregulation of prescribed quantities, the modernisation of the law to reflect changes in trade practices, and a number of changes to how intoxicating liquor is regulated, including an update of definitions of intoxicating liquor to achieve consistency with Guernsey Customs and Excise legislation.
'These updates will not only be of benefit to businesses in Guernsey and Alderney, but it will also ensure that Guernsey consumers benefit from fair and effective competition in the market.'
Full details can be found at www.gov.gg/weightsmeasures - where responses and feedback can be also be given by completing the consultation online.
As well as the online consultation, Trading Standards is also offering to discuss the implications of the proposed changes with individual businesses and other interested parties if they wish.
