January 13, 2012
Selfridges has started to sell sips of some of the world’s most sought-after wine as a five year ban has been overturned.
Dawn Davies a sommelier at the London department store used to sell customers small measures of fine wines but was banned due to a breach of the 1988 Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order. The order states that wine must be sold in 125ml, 175ml and 250ml glasses.
Ms Davies has since the ban campaigned for the law to be overturned and finally the Government’s National Measurement Office has confirmed that the store can once again sell the small measures.
Speaking to the Evening Standard Ms Davies said: “When I saw we had won I screamed, I was dancing around the office.” She added: “It is the first time the Government has done anything positive for the drinks industry in a very long time.”
The new sips of wine will be sold in the store’s ground floor bar called ‘The Wonder Bar’. The sips will start at £1 although a sip of the Petrus 1996 which is usually £950 for a bottle will be available to customers at £32.
Commenting on the previous ban Ms Davies said: “I couldn't believe it when these inspectors from Westminster council came in to see us. I was shocked.”
“It had never even occurred to me you could not sell 25ml of wine. I couldn't fault the inspectors - they were only upholding the law - but it was a mad, archaic law.”
