CHRISTMAS shoppers in Lancashire are being warned not to take a chance on cheap alcohol as new cases of counterfeit vodka are found.
Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards said counterfeit vodka may contain Methanol, an industrial alcohol, which can have serious health implications if consumed excessively, such as blindness.
Officers have seized hundreds of bottles of counterfeit vodka from pubs and off-licences in the last 12 months and more have turned up this week.
The types of vodka that are known to be being counterfeited are Spar Imperial, sold through non-Spar shops, Kirov, Kremlin and Glen's vodka, all sold in 70cl bottles.
County Coun Marcus Johnstone said: “It might be tempting to try to pick up cheaper drinks as Christmas approaches but we are asking shoppers to support us by avoiding these potentially dangerous fakes.
For advice on how to identify the fake bottles, or to report it being sold, people can call the consumer direct number on 0845 4040506.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here