A Merseyside business was found to be selling vodka deemed unfit for human consumption.
It was suspected in 2019 that the Southport based shop Smakus was selling counterfeit vodka when Sefton Council opened an investigation into the business.
The vodka was being bottled as Glen's Vodka, leading the council to liaise with the company on how to identify counterfeit bottles, which were found on sale in several locations.
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At Sefton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, District Judge Boswell found defendant, Mr Wojtek Lazarz guilty of two charges, and the company, Smakus Foods Limited, guilty of one.
Mr Lazarz was fined £1,450 and Smakus Foods Limited, £1,050, while Sefton Council received £1,000 towards its costs.
Mr Lazarz’s unhelpful approach when questioned about the counterfeit alcohol led to the council’s decision to taking legal action.
Sefton Council described the counterfeit vodka as "unfit for human consumption".
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: “Selling fake alcohol that could have a serious effect on people’s health is an extremely serious matter and the Foods Standards Agency has made it a national priority of their work.
“I am, therefore, delighted that the Council’s Environmental Health and Legal Services teams have successfully carried out this investigation and prosecution as part of their work to protect local people and prevent this dangerous activity.”
Anyone who suspects dangerous or counterfeit alcohol is on sale can contact the Council’s Environmental Health team at etscontact@sefton.gov.uk or by calling the Council’s Contact Centre on 0845 140 0345.
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