Landlords who sold vodka made of industrial alcohol 'played roulette' with peoples' health

A pair of pub landlords who passed on dodgy spirits to their customers have been fined.

Husband and wife David and Sharon Purvis of Black and Gold pub in Shieldfield Park, Tweedmouth, Berwick, sold spirits including fake Smirnoff and Glen's Vodka.

When Trading Standards officers visited the pub in August 2017, screening tests showed a number of bottles of Smirnoff and Glen's Vodka which were below the advertised ABV strength stated on the bottles.

Samples showed the spirits were made from industrial alcohol rather than agricultural, according to Northumberland County Council. At the lowest level they contained 5.7% less alcohol by volume than declared.

Berwick Magistrates Court heard a member of staff had accepted the bottles of vodka from a relative who had them as unwanted gifts.

The couple pleaded guilty to offences under the Food Safety Act 1990 at the hearing.

David Purvis was given a fine of £440 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £44.

Sharon Purvis was fined £150 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30.

They were also each ordered to pay legal costs of £250 and investigation costs of £,1274 - a total amount of £3,712.

And publicans have been warned not to make the same mistake.