Customs crack down on bootleggers via stamp plan

Licensees could face imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000 for selling bootleg spirits, under a new government scheme.

From October 1, bottles of spirits which are 30 per cent ABV or more, contained in bottles of 35cl or above, will need a duty stamp when entering the country. Licensees will be required to keep business records to show when they purchased any stock without stamps prior to the October deadline.

From January 1, 2007, bottles sold in pubs will have to carry the stamp or risk incurring a penalty.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said: "As the duty stamps scheme beds in, it is recognised that innocent mistakes are likely to be made by legitimate businesses despite their efforts to comply with the scheme. In these cases, and certainly for the first few months of the scheme, HMRC officers' approach will be to educate rather than penalise."

However, she added: "For non- compliance, each case will be individually considered and an appropriate punishment will be issued. This could range from a £250 fine (which could be per bottle) to a £5,000 fine, or even imprisonment, if the case was investigated as part of a wider prosecution."

The stamps will contain a built-in security measure which will cause the stamp to disintegrate during removal.

In addition, each stamp will include a unique sequential number specific to the business which ordered it and to the product type.

John Healey, financial secretary for HM Treasury, said: "Alcohol fraud is at an unacceptable level in the UK and that is why the government is taking steps to tackle the problem."

Richard Taylor, licensee of the Kings Ransom in Sale, Manchester, said: "I think it will be a good thing. It is yet another regulation for the industry, but I'm a taxpayer and people should be paying duty."

• Licensees can get more information by telephoning 0845 010 9000, or online at www.ukdutystamps.info​.