Understanding UK Measures
In the UK, serving alcohol is governed by strict Weights and Measures laws. Your reusable cups aren't just vessels; they are legal measuring instruments. Choosing the right mix of sizes is crucial for bar compliance and customer satisfaction.
The Core Range
At Printed-Cups, we manufacture the standard sizes required for British events. Most events will need a mix of the following:
- The Pint (CE Marked): The workhorse of the festival. Essential for beer, lager, and cider. It must have a CE mark or UKCA mark to be legal for service.
- The Half-Pint: crucial for stronger beers, smaller servings, and often used for spirits and mixers (double G&T).
- The Wine Goblet / Tumbler: Drinking wine from a pint cup feels wrong. A dedicated smaller wine shape improves the customer experience and perceived value of the drink.
Volume Line vs. Brim Full
There are two ways to measure a legal pint on a cup:
| Type | Description | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Brim Full | The cup holds exactly one pint when filled to the very top. | Con: High spillage risk. Hard to carry. |
| Line Measure (Lined) | The cup is larger, with a line indicating the pint level. | Pro: Prevents spillage. Room for 'head' (foam). |
Our Recommendation
For almost all busy events, we recommend Lined cups. They allow bartenders to pour quickly without overflowing, and they allow customers to walk through a crowded field without spilling their drink over their hands. It reduces stickiness, waste, and frustration.
