Reports of a rise in counterfeit alcohol production have hit the news following a blast that killed 5 people in Boston, Lincolnshire.
In a BBC report on the Growing problem of illegally distilled alcohol, Trading Standards said that in some parts of the UK up to a quarter of licensed premises had been found to be selling counterfeit alcohol. It also reported that alcohol fraud costs the UK about £1bn a year in lost revenue, including £300m from illegal spirit sales, according to government estimates. Over £13 million of smuggled alcohol was seized last year.
An article in The Independent suggested producing counterfeit vodka was relatively simple, requiring only 'basic equipment'. It reported in certain areas the trade in counterfeit spirits was an 'open secret among the large community of migrant workers and the network of continental stores that has grown to serve them.' Trading-standards officers identified drinks that contained large quantities of methanol which can cause blindness.
A Channel 4 news feature includes a report on the drivers behind illegal alcohol production. Further reports in The Guardian and the Daily Mail.
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