Warning over risks of counterfeit booze

Blackpool Council leader Simon Blackburn is warning people against the danger of buying fake booze.
Coun Simon Blackburn is warning about the dangers of fake boozeCoun Simon Blackburn is warning about the dangers of fake booze
Coun Simon Blackburn is warning about the dangers of fake booze

He is spearheading a campaign by the Local Government Association (LGA) in the wake of seizures by trading standards teams nationally of counterfeit vodka, with some containing industrial strength levels of alcohol.

Coun Blackburn, chairman of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Anyone buying alcohol needs to look out for suspiciously cheap, fake alcohol because it could leave them seriously ill and, in extreme cases, cost them their life.”

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The LGA, which represents 370 councils in England and Wales, is urging shoppers to look out for tell-tale signs that bottles are fake.

hese include unfamiliar brand names, crooked labels, spelling mistakes, very low prices which are 'too good to be true', different fill levels in bottles of the same brand and sediment in the liquid which should not be present.

People being served vodka in pubs and clubs should also check the smell – fake vodka will often smell of nail varnish.

Coun Blackburn added: "Council trading standards teams have been targeting businesses selling fake alcohol and rogue sellers should think twice about stocking these dangerous drinks as we will always seek to prosecute irresponsible traders."