Consuming counterfeit alcohol could damage a person’s health and does nothing to help legitimate businesses stay afloat, trading standards warned.
Tests on bottles of counterfeit vodka seized around the country by council trading standards officers have revealed a number contain alarming levels of methanol which could potentially lead to blindness.
December saw West Sussex County Council’s trading standards team seize illegal counterfeit vodka, whiskey and brandy worth around £8000 believed to be headed to the black market before Christmas.
Cllr Paul Bettison, chairman of Local Government Regulation, said: “Counterfeit booze is often made in uncontrolled conditions and those buying and drinking it will have no idea of its contents. Everyone wants a bargain, especially at this time of year, but surely the potential health risks far outweigh any financial savings.
“Methanol is used to make anti-freeze and some fuels. Drinking high doses of it can cause dizziness, breathing difficulties and even blindness.
“Frankly, if the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If anyone is suspicious about a supplier or feels that they may have bought a bottle of counterfeit alcohol, please do not drink it. Instead, contact your local council or Consumer Direct for advice as a matter of urgency.”
Another recent investigation was in Barking and Dagenham, where114 cases of counterfeit Smirnoff vodka were seized from a warehouse following a joint raid between trading standards officers and Her Majesty’s Revenues and Customs. In total 684 70cl bottle of counterfeit booze was found with a retail value of around £9,000.
Surrey County Council’s trading standards team’s good work has also recently been recognised. The team received a silver award from the International Federation of Spirit Producers, following an investigation that saw the team visit dozens of pubs, clubs, restaurants and off-licences, examining hundreds of products. Counterfeit bottles of Glen’s vodka and Spar brand Imperial vodka were being sold which, again, contained dangerous levels of methanol.
