Illegal alcohol rife in south east England

Trading standards officials have pledged to “take action” in the wake of findings showing the widespread sale of illegal alcohol in the south east of the UK.

Steve Ruddy, from Surrey County Council (SCC) Trading Standards, made the statement following revelations that of 347 shops in 19 local authorities, 91 were found to be selling illegal alcohol or alcohol on which duty had not been paid.

Over the four-month inquiry by HM Revenue and Customs, fake beer, wine and spirits were found on sale, including vodka with dangerous levels of methanol and fictitious Champagne brands calling themselves Donmonay and Raymond Vadim.

SCC warned that the levels of methanol found in the vodka were sufficient to cause nausea, vomiting and even blindness or death if consumed in sufficient quantites.

Councillor Kay Hammond said that while people may be tempted by the cheap price of illegal alcohol, he urged consumers not to “gamble with their health”.

SCC has begun legal proceedings against all of the shops and off-licenses in question but warned that they may not have discovered all stocks.

Ruddy commented: “We will take action where we can to clamp down on this to protect local people, but also to protect local businesses and the reputable suppliers who also suffer as a result of this illegal trade.”

Rupert Millar, 22.12.2010