What are the practical limits on product sampling at UK trade shows and industry events, and how much stock should be planned?

Members report that the regulatory limit for spirit samples is **maximum 5ml per serve**, though enforcement appears minimal in practice. On actual stock consumption at events, experience varies widely depending on format and duration.

**Sampling volumes reported:** - **1500 samples** at a major event (edited from original estimate, suggesting this is a realistic mid-range figure) - **~4200 people sampled** across 2 days from a single SKU, calculated at approximately 5ml serves from a 70cl bottle (allowing for multiple tastes per person) - **30 bottles across 2 days** for a single SKU as another data point

**Key tactical insight:** - Serving chilled samples (one member used a chiller at minus 15°C) was noted as working well and likely affects how much people consume - Multiple people trying a sample multiple times should be factored in when planning stock - No hard enforcement of the 5ml limit was observed by members, but this remains the stated regulatory maximum

**Note:** The wide range in stock consumption suggests the event format, serving method, duration, and number of attendees are critical variables. Members recommend starting with conservative stock estimates and adjusting based on footfall.