Counterfeit vodka warning to off-licences

8.19.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 7th Aug 2007

Off-licences have been warned they could face prosecution after Richmond Council environmental health officers seized 80 bottles of counterfeit vodka from shops in the borough.

Analysis of the fake brands carried out so far shows that they pose no risk to health. However, in the past fake spirits have been found to contain methanol which can be very dangerous if consumed. In visits to 8 grocers and off-licences 80 illicit bottles were found by Environmental Health Officers. The discoveries were made following a raid on an illegal distillery by Environmental Health and Customs Officers in Hackney. The distillery has now been shut down but there are fake spirits still on sale in the borough and elsewhere in London. Richmond Council officers are continuing their investigations into the source of the counterfeit vodka and will be writing to all off-licences in the borough warning them about the fakes. The Council is sending a mailshot urging them to only buy from reputable suppliers and never to purchase from door-to-door traders. Shopkeepers who flout the law may face prosecution.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said: "This is a warning to all off-licences and other retailers that they should only be purchasing stock from legitimate sources. Those that buy items illegally from "white van" operations are not only flouting the law but could be putting their customers' health at risk. The investigation is ongoing and, in the meantime, we urge retailers to check their stock and withdraw any suspect bottles from sale. If in any doubt, contact our Environmental Health team straight away."