There are two types of illicit alcohol:
- Counterfeit - alcohol made illegally to imitate a genuine brand.
- Non-duty paid – Legitimate alcohol bought legally in a foreign country, smuggled in to UK in large quantities with no UK Duty Tax paid.
How does it affect me?
Buying counterfeit alcohol can be dangerous and poses a real risk to your health because, in most cases, these goods do not comply with the strict quality standards used by legitimate brand manufacturers.
Counterfeit alcohol may also contain hazardous substances. For example, counterfeit alcohol mostly contains a highly poisonous substance called methanol. Methanol is a non-drinking alcohol substance that is used for industrial purposes only. Methanol can be found in products like anti-freeze and paint remover. If methanol is consumed it can lead to breathing difficulties, liver damage or even death.
How do I identify illicit alcohol?
- Unfamiliar brand name
- Price may be significantly lower
- Unusual taste or smell
- Low quality labelling and packaging
- There may be no ‘UK Duty Paid’ stamp.
- Foreign brand names
- No manufacturer details
Buy your alcohol from a reputable trader, as they are unlikely to be selling illicit alcohol. Avoid anyone selling alcohol from residential property, vehicles and markets, as this is more likely to be illicit.
Our aim
Working with our partners, we aim to:
- Disrupt and eliminate criminal organisations which deal in illegal and non-duty paid alcohol products.
- Raise awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol products on young people, peers and the Knowsley community.
- Investigate and prosecute any person concerned in the sale or supply of alcohol products to any child.
Information for local businesses
Selling illicit alcohol
The maximum sentence for selling illicit alcohol is ten years in prison. If you are convicted, the courts have the power to seize your assets, including jewellery and the family home.
Business Companion
To receive free, impartial legal advice for your business, vistit www.businesscompanion.info
Enforcement
Information we receive from the community is important because it helps to target enforcement activities effectively.
Any information received about manufacturers, importers, distributors, businesses or individuals dealing in illegal alcohol products will be investigated by Trading Standards. Action will be taken against those found to be breaking the law and this can include prosecutions.
If you do have any information about anyone you suspect is selling illicit alcohol, you can report it anonymously to us on 0151 443 4738 or [email protected]