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The
system of measuring drinks in units was devised over 20 years ago.
Since
then we have seen many developments in the strength and variety
of alcoholic products and according to the RAC survey it is impossible
to buy just one unit of alcohol in a pub today.
It
is no longer accurate to say one glass of wine = 1 unit.
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| Confusing:
the 'light' label on this 'alcopop' refers to calories not alcohol
content |
This
is only true of a glass of wine at 8% ABV in a 125ml glass - a measure
and strength no longer widely available.
A glass
of wine at 13% in a 175ml glass = 2.3 units
A glass
of wine at 13% in a 250ml glass = 3.25 units
It
is important to know the strength of drink (%ABV - alcohol by volume)
and amount of liquid, to know how many units a drink contains.
How
to work it out
Multiply
the volume/amount of drink in milliltres by percentage ABV, then
divide by 1000.
For
example with a 175ml glass of wine at 13% ABV
175
(amount) X 13 (%ABV) = 2,275
Divided
by 1000 = 2.275 ie 2.3 units
Now
let's take 1 pint of strong lager at 8% ABV
1 pint
(568ml) X 8 = 4544
Divided
by 1000 = 4.544 ie 4.5 units
Sobering
thought!
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