Council warns Christmas revellers warned over bootleg booze

Example of a fake bottle of alcohol seized in Leicestershire Credit: Leicestershire Trading Standards

Fake alcohol could put lives at risk over the festive season, local councils are warning.

Earlier this month in Derbyshire, a raid turned up unauthorised Smirnoff labels alongside empty antifreeze containers and about 20,000 bottles ready for filling.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents nearly 400 councils in England and Wales, says hundreds of bottles of counterfeit alcohol have been found on shop shelves already this year and has warned shoppers to be vigilant as they stock up for Christmas.

Bootlegged liquor often contains dangerous levels of solvents such as isopropanol and could blind or even kill those enjoying a tipple, according to the LGA.

Communities Board chair, Ann Lucas, said.

Trading Standards advice on how to spot fake alcohol

  • Misspellings, such as "Austrlia" in place of "Australia"

  • Wonky labels and poor-quality print

  • Flat printed labels where products are usually embossed or have holograms

  • Unusual places of origin, such as vodka from Italy

  • Vague or incomplete importer details

  • Bottles on display filled to different levels

  • Unfamiliar or unheard-of brands

  • Sediment in liquid that should not be present