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Hospitality Industry and Retail Trade: Measurement

Asked by David SimmondsConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 14 February 2025UIN 29625

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his Department’s policy is on the continued use of imperial measures in retail and hospitality settings.

Answered by Justin Madders

UK law requires metric units to be used for all trade purposes, including in retail and hospitality settings, with only limited exceptions. While imperial units can be used alongside metric units, the imperial markings must not be larger or more prominent than the metric ones. Imperial units can only be used on their own (without metric units) for certain products, such as the pint for sales of draught beer, cider and milk in returnable containers.

We have no plans to change this policy.

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