Warning over counterfeit vodka and whisky

Some of the suspected counterfeit alcohol that has been seized by trading standards officers recently

The public are being warned to be on their guard against counterfeit vodka and whisky suspected of being on sale.

In a recent operation, trading standards officers from Rochdale Borough Council seized 13 bottles of High Commissioner Whisky and 18 bottles of Glens Vodka, all suspected to be counterfeit, from an off licence in the borough.

Recent months have seen officers seize a total of 192 bottles of suspected counterfeit alcohol - 126 bottles of whisky (mainly Bells and High Commissioner), 62 bottles of vodka (mainly Glens Vodka) and four bottles of Blossom Hill wine.

It is feared that there are more fake supplies in the area. Two tell-tale signs on counterfeit bottles are a cheap looking label and the absence of any manufacturer’s details.

Councillor Terry Linden, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Counterfeit whisky and vodka may seem to offer a bargain but the products are likely to be of inferior quality to the genuine article.

“In addition, anyone buying fake items like this could be indirectly helping to fund more serious forms of organised crime.”

Anyone who has bought or seen a bottle they are suspicious about should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.