DRINKERS are risking their health and wasting their money on fake wine and spirits in Bournemouth, according to trading standards officers.

They have seized at least 70 cases of counterfeit wine and several bottles of so-called Drop Vodka, which is harmful to health, smells like nail varnish remover and contains lethal chemicals including methanol and isopropanol.

Now they are warning members of the public to be on their guard in the run-up to Christmas.

“At best, these drinks are third-grade and dressed up as well-known, quality brands. At worst they could damage your health” said Cllr David Smith cabinet member for communities.

Trading standards manager Andy Sherriff added: “We have found some of these products in local stores and, while some of the counterfeits are good copies, some shopkeepers clearly have questions to answer about how these items came to be part of their stock.”

Enquiries are focused on small, independent retailers with some already involved in the court process.

Mr Sherriff offered some useful tips to identify dodgy alcohol, including misspellings on labels, labels glued on at odd angles, unusual places of origin, such as vodka from Italy or flat, printed labels without holograms and which are not embossed.

Anyone who is suspicious about alcohol products should contact consumer direct on 08454 040506 or 01209 720333.

Factfile

Fake or counterfeit alcohol is usually cheaper than legal brands but possess higher health risks. Ingredients are often chemicals found in anti-freeze, nail varnish remover and cleaning fluids. Health hazards include:

• Death

• Abdominal pain

• Permanent blindness

• Liver failure

• Kidney failure

• Do you think you may have been a victim of counterfeit alcohol sales? If so, call newsdesk on 01202 411293 or email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk