Safer 6 - Fake booze shock raises health concerns
Published on 24th October 2011
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A third of shops, pubs and restaurants in Sandwell checked by trading standards officers in a snap survey have been found to be selling fake and potentially dangerous booze that could cause blindness.
The survey was carried out as part of the borough's Safer 6 campaign.
It is estimated that there has been a loss in revenue of more than £30,000.
Sandwell Council trading standards officers were working with revenue and customs, police and the International Federation of Spirits Producers.
The shock survey revealed the high level of fake and illegal booze on sale in Sandwell.
It revealed 32 per cent of 74 shops, pubs and restaurants visited were selling fake booze on which duty had not been paid.
In all it is estimated that thousands of pounds worth of illegal booze was seized.
Many people still see counterfeiting as a victimless crime but increasingly some fake products pose a major health risk.
Analysis reports have found that some spirits have excessive level of methanol that could cause nausea, vomiting and, in extreme cases, blindness, poisoning or even death.
Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "Methanol is used to make anti-freeze and drinking a high dose of it can be fatal.
"Fake spirits are often made in uncontrolled conditions by criminal gangs. Those buying and drinking it will have no idea of its contents.
"People may be tempted to buy cheap booze - particularly on the run-in to Christmas, but I would urge people not to gamble with their health."
Bob Charnley, Sandwell Council trading standards manager, added: "We will take action where we can to clamp down on this illegal practice in order to protect people and the vast majority of our law-abiding local businesses."
Mr Charnley said his advice to businesses was simple. "Only buy alcohol stock from a legitimate source and always obtain a receipt, so if there is a problem, the product can be traced back to the supply chain," he added.
He said he would urge local businesses to be on their guard and not to be tempted into buying cheap and illegal booze.
And he warned: "Otherwise, this could result in a criminal prosecution and they could face the risk of losing their alcohol licence."
Sandwell's Safer 6 campaign is a six-week initiative by Sandwell Council, Sandwell Police and a host of other partner organisations to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and provide additional reassurance and safety awareness as the nights draw in. It is running from September 26 to November 6, a time of year when crime and anti-social behaviour can often rise.
More information on the Safer 6 campaign at our Safer 6 web page.