UKCA Verification for Pint Cups & Half Pint Cups
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, the United Kingdom Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking has become a legal requirement for measuring cups used in alcohol sales within licensed establishments in England, Scotland, and Wales. This regulation ensures compliance with UK standards, guaranteeing accurate serving sizes for customers.
Previously, the CE mark was utilised for this purpose; however, with the UK’s departure from the EU, the UKCA mark has replaced it. As of January 1, 2023, only the UKCA capacity verification marking is valid for cups used in alcohol service. New cups bearing the CE mark are no longer acceptable in England, Scotland and Wales.
Bio Print incorporates accredited UKCA and UKNI verification marks in the production and printing of cups including re-useable pint cups, half pint cups and paper pint cups.
Consumers have two options, pint to line and pint to brim cups. Both are legally compliant.
Non-compliance with UKCA marking regulations can lead to significant repercussions for your licensed establishment, including:
- Confiscation: Authorities may seize non-compliant measuring cups.
- Fines: Substantial fines can be imposed, reaching up to £20,000 for serious violations.
- License Review/Revocation: In severe cases, non-compliance may result in a review or even revocation of your license.
The Weights and Measures Act 1985 outlines the approved methods for selling alcohol:
- UKCA-marked cups (e.g., pint glasses with a line marking)
- Sealed containers (bottles)
- Calibrated dispensing systems
For detailed government guidance on UKCA marking and the Weights and Measures Act 1985, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions regarding UKCA Verification
Do all pint cups need UKCA markings?
If you are selling alcohol then under the Weights and Measures Act 1985, alcohol must be sold using one of three approved methods for measurement: by container (such as a bottle), a UKCA or UKNI-marked bar cup (e.g., a pint glass with a measurement line), or a dispensing device (such as a metered dose unit, or MDU). This means that if there is any uncertainty about the size of cups presented for reuse at a bar—such as if they lack a UKCA or UKNI mark—the bar is responsible for verifying that the correct quantity of alcohol is being served.
Is the CE marking still applicable?
Only in the EU. The CE mark in England, Scotland and Wales has now been replaced with the UKCA & UKNI verifications.
What is the penalty if I do not conform?
Non-compliance with UKCA marking regulations can lead to significant repercussions for your licensed establishment, including:
- Confiscation: Authorities may seize non-compliant measuring cups.
- Fines: Substantial fines can be imposed, reaching up to £20,000 for serious violations.
- License Review/Revocation: In severe cases, non-compliance may result in a review or even revocation of your license
What does the verification look like?
Each cup will feature the minimum information as detailed below. For re-useable cups which are “Pint to Line” the cups will also feature a demarcation to show the fill line. This will often feature 1 pint and 1/2 pint fill measures.
For paper pint cups these will either be pint to brim or if pint to line will feature a small window so that the fill level can be clearly ssen.
