Illicit alcohol is alcohol that is produced or sold illegally.
Types of illicit alcohol
Counterfeit alcohol
This is alcohol that is made to look like a genuine brand, but it is actually not. Counterfeit alcohol may contain hazardous substances, such as methanol.
Methanol is a non-drinking alcohol substance that is used for industrial purposes only. It 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.
Non-duty paid alcohol
This is alcohol that has been smuggled into the country without paying the proper taxes. Non-duty paid alcohol although not counterfeit it is still illegal to buy or sell.
How to identify illicit alcohol
Unfamiliar brand name
If you don't recognise the brand name, it's a good chance that the alcohol is illicit.
Low price
Illicit alcohol is often sold at a much lower price than genuine alcohol. This is because it doesn't have to pay the same taxes and doesn't have the same production costs.
Unusual taste or smell
Illicit alcohol may taste or smell different from genuine alcohol.
Low quality labelling and packaging
Illicit alcohol often has low quality labelling and packaging. This may include misspelled words, grammatical errors, or poor printing quality.
No 'UK Duty Paid' stamp
Genuine alcohol in the UK will have a 'UK Duty Paid' stamp. If the alcohol you're buying doesn't have this stamp, it's likely to be illicit.
Foreign brand names
If the alcohol has a foreign brand name, it's important to check that it is being sold legally in the UK.
No manufacturer details
Genuine alcohol will have the manufacturer's details on the label. If the alcohol you're buying doesn't have this information, it's likely to be illicit.
Where to buy alcohol safely
Only buy alcohol from reputable traders, such as licensed supermarkets and off-licenses.
Avoid buying alcohol from residential properties, vehicles, or markets. This alcohol is more likely to be illicit.
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.
Report illicit alcohol
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.
Who to Contact
- Knowsley Council
- Email us (Tradingstandardsteam@knowsley.gov.uk)
- Telephone 0151 443 4712
- Citizens Advice consumer helpline
- 0808 223 1133. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Lines are closed on bank holidays.
Our aim
- 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.