Licensee warned over tipping

An unsuspecting licensee narrowly escaped prosecution when spirits in the pub she had just taken over were found to be counterfeit.

Trading standards officers carried out tests at the pub in Torfaen, South Wales, and found a bottle of Gordon's gin contained a different brand.

She was given a warning after evidence suggested the bottle had been refilled before the licensee moved into the pub two weeks previously

However licensees at the Indiaah restaurant in Pontyclun, South Wales, the Pontland Social Club in Northumberland and Spicy Bites restaurant in Swindon were all recently prosecuted for 'tipping'.

Islington Council in London also recently prosecuted four off-licences for selling counterfeit vodka.

Philip Scatchard, director of the International Federation of Spirits Producers, said: "Even though we are going through a particularly difficult trading period licensees must not resort to illegal methods of trading as they are likely to be caught and prosecuted.

"A fine, criminal record and possible loss of licence are not going to help."