<P> There have been many laws concerned with weights and measures in the United Kingdom or parts of it over the last 1000 or so years . The acts may catalogue lawful weights and measures, prescribe the mechanism for inspection and enforcement of the use of such weights and measures and may set out circumstances under which they may be amended . Modern legislation may, in addition to specific requirements, set out circumstances under which the incumbent minister may amend the legislation by means of statutory instruments . Prior to the Weights and Measures Act 1985, weights and measures acts were only concerned with trade law where the weight or size of the goods being traded was important . The 1985 act, however, had a broader scope, encompassing all aspects covered by the European Economic Community (EEC) European Commission directive 80 / 181 / EEC . </P> <P> As of 25 April 2012, the current primary legislation in the United Kingdom is the 1985 Act, which was last amended by statutory instrument in 2011 . Statutory instruments made under the authority of the Act do not amend the Act per se, but regulate particular areas covered by the Act . </P> <P> The Act is currently enforced by the 200 Trading Standards Offices managed by local authorities around the country . Definitions of units of measurements and the technical equipment relating to weights and measures are provided by the National Measurement Office, an agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills . </P> <P> The Weights and Measures Act 1897 made the provision that metric units could be used in addition to the traditional imperial units for purposes of trade . In practice, the actual choice of units was restricted by price marking orders which listed packaging sizes and pricing structures that might be used in specific circumstances . For example, as of April 2012, wine for consumption on premises may only be sold in 125, 175, and 250 mL glasses while draught beer may only be sold in ​ ⁄, ​ ⁄, ​ ⁄ and one pint glasses . Prior to 1973, when the United Kingdom joined the EEC, such specifications were almost all in imperial units . </P>

Who are responsible for enforcing the weights and measures act