Lincolnshire Police issue warning over fake alcohol

Fake alcohol is being offered to pubs in branded bottles at around 20p less per bottle, meaning licensees have little reason to believe it is counterfeit.

A letter sent to pubs by Licensing Sergeant Jock Watt warns: “We would like to advise that there has been a rise in the sale of illegal tobacco and alcohol in the Lincolnshire area. This includes smuggled, bootlegged and counterfeit alcohol and tobacco.

“As a responsible licensee, we would urge you to be vigilant and to ensure that you only obtain your supplies from a reputable seller.”

“In addition we strongly advise you retain purchase invoices for inspection by enforcement agencies such as the Police, Trading Standards and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.”

“It is a criminal offence to supply illicit tobacco and alcohol and you may be liable for prosecution and/or licensing review.”

Rose added: “We have had a number of licensce reviews in the area where pubs have had their licences revoked by local authorities, in circumstances where the pubs had clearly had counterfeit alcohol for sale.

“We have done a lot of work in relation to counterfeit products over the past few months and it is stuff that it not what it should be. There are obviously health risks related to that, and we are trying to highlight that in the trade.”