Shopkeeper prosecuted over danger vodka "bought from white van man" (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Shopkeeper prosecuted over danger vodka "bought from white van man"
3:00pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News
Shopkeeper prosecuted over danger vodka "bought from white van man"
A SHOPKEEPER has ended up in court following the seizure of illegal vodka from his off-licence.
Erkan Hinisli, 29, from Turbary Wines at Turbary Road, Ferndown, admitted selling vodka containing prohibited levels of methanol, an industrial alcohol.
He also pleaded guilty to selling under strength vodka, alcohol with false ‘duty paid’ labels and was unable to identify his supplier.
Bournemouth magistrates heard how Trading Standards had received a complaint from a customer claiming that the vodka had made him feel ill, rather than drunk.
Officers visited the premises and made a test purchase of the ‘Granton’ brand vodka which was then analysed. They returned to seize 72 bottles of vodka and two bottles of whisky.
Hinisli later claimed he had bought the spirits from a man in a white van who called at his shop, stating he was representing a local cash and carry. The spirits were cheaper than usual and no receipt was provided.
Magistrates took into account the small monthly wage Hinisli was earning from the shop and his previous good character when they imposed a two-year conditional discharge. Hinisli was ordered to pay £1,600 costs.
Speaking after the case, Dorset County Council’s trading standards service manager Ivan Hancock said: “Our priority was to ensure members of the public were not put at risk.
“Officers visited local independent off-licences in the area after these spirits were seized but no other stocks of this vodka were found. Food and drink retailers must be cautious about what they are selling to consumers.
“Any trader who buys stock, particularly alcohol, from an untraceable source without proper invoices is not thinking about the safety of their customers.”
Anyone who has recently purchased this brand of vodka should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.
Comments(19)
Old Colonial
says...
3:41pm Thu 4 Oct 12
pete woodley wrote:You're right. Also, of what exactly was he convicted? Surely fraud comes into this. And can we assume he is still considered fit and proper to hold a licence?
stronger sentences are needed to dter offenders who pretend they do not know the suppliers.
BmthNewshound
says...
3:45pm Thu 4 Oct 12
.
As a businessman what makes me angry is that if I make a mistake on my VAT return I can face large fines and even prison. This shopkeeper has not only sold a potentially dangerous product but also defrauded HMRC by not paying the relevant taxes.
cynicist
says...
4:04pm Thu 4 Oct 12
BIGTONE
says...
4:26pm Thu 4 Oct 12
3:45pm Thu 4 Oct 12
.
As a businessman what makes me angry is that if I make a mistake on my VAT return I can face large fines and even prison. This shopkeeper has not only sold a potentially dangerous product but also defrauded HMRC by not paying the relevant taxes.”
I have a sneaky feeling a rather large estimated tax bill will be soon winging it's way to the shopkeeper courtesy of HMRC.
Upkeep
says...
4:35pm Thu 4 Oct 12
scrumpyjack
says...
4:48pm Thu 4 Oct 12
manyogie
says...
5:11pm Thu 4 Oct 12
This will get the message over that it aint worth it
Bob49
says...
5:14pm Thu 4 Oct 12
"Any trader who buys stock, particularly alcohol, from an untraceable source without proper invoices is not thinking about the safety of their customers"
So how can you square the second statement with the first ?
Or is it because you are talking past tense here ie were not put at risk.
What about future risk ? There is no knowing how many other bottles have been sold - or are likely to be sold again. Not too dificult to change the stock after 6pm is it when you know there is little likelihood of an inspection ?
I have to agree with scrumpyjack about this being more widespread. there should be an automatic loss of license for the licensee and the premises (to stop a 'cousin' simply taking over).
Or do we have to wait until there is a death ?
Telscombe Cliffy
says...
5:18pm Thu 4 Oct 12
pete woodley
says...
5:33pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Bournefre
says...
5:34pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Bob49
says...
6:18pm Thu 4 Oct 12
It could be also that it is a convenient way of cleaning up money. Most of the transactionw will be in cash, So any cash paid into the bank will be presumed to have been taken through the till at the shop.
My understanding is that the same activity is carried out through car washes, which have also spung up everywhere. Which can have a fast turnover of staff and cash payments. All of which can prove difficult to vefify as being correct.
Before anyone complains I do not state that any specific business is engaged in such activity or there are not perfectly legal businesses who work in these areas either.
_mooch_
says...
6:41pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Telscombe Cliffy
says...
9:10pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Bob49 wrote:Well said, I'm beginning to think this Country is corrupt wherever you look nowadays.
"No wonder there are thousands of these shops all seemingly making a living. Looks like its only because of this type of fiddle"
It could be also that it is a convenient way of cleaning up money. Most of the transactionw will be in cash, So any cash paid into the bank will be presumed to have been taken through the till at the shop.
My understanding is that the same activity is carried out through car washes, which have also spung up everywhere. Which can have a fast turnover of staff and cash payments. All of which can prove difficult to vefify as being correct.
Before anyone complains I do not state that any specific business is engaged in such activity or there are not perfectly legal businesses who work in these areas either.
Mr N James
says...
8:40am Fri 5 Oct 12
scrumpyjack
says...
9:51am Fri 5 Oct 12
_mooch_ wrote:Hero's like you bring a tear to my eye. Selfless.
If trading standards are looking for a volunteer to visit these sellers of strong liquors i am willing to offer my service. for the sake of the good people of Dorset of course
darcyknows
says...
12:39pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Oakey
says...
7:08pm Wed 10 Oct 12
pete woodley says...
3:05pm Thu 4 Oct 12