Party-goers in Lichfield and Burntwood are being warned about the dangers of buying counterfeit alcohol in the run up to the New Year celebrations.
The alert follows a number of fake alcohol seizures from off-licences across Staffordshire in recent months.
Trading standards officers visited every independent off-licence – totalling more than 400 – to check if they were selling counterfeit products.
Fake, bootleg or non duty paid alcohol was found in 73 shops – totalling around 1,800 bottles.
Tests carried out in the county councils own scientific services laboratories revealed that the confiscated items contained toxins with potentially lethal consequences.
Methanol, a chemical which is used in anti-freeze and can cause sore throats, dizziness, sickness, blurred vision and blindness was found in some of the bottles. Some products also had higher levels of alcohol than the label stated.
Staffordshire County Councillor Pat Corfield, cabinet member for culture, communities and customers, said: “Fake alcohol is extremely dangerous – it can cause lifelong disabilities and can even have lethal consequences.
“The county council’s trading standards team has been carrying out a high profile operation to crack down on licensees who sell bootleg alcohol in Staffordshire and we will continue to target them.
“However, I would also urge party goers to be vigilant when buying alcohol for the New Year festivities. Look out for unheard of brands and suspect labelling which may include spelling mistakes or differing levels of liquid in the bottles of the same brand.
“Some people might be tempted to buy the fake alcohol because it is cheaper but they could ultimately end up paying with your life.”
People should contact Staffordshire County Council’s trading standards team on 0300 111 8000 if they have any concerns about fake alcohol.
