Put a cork in fake alcohol

Put a cork in fake alcohol

Fake alcohol kills. Stop criminals from selling lethal poison in your community.

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Vodka is a popular alcoholic drink and is commonly counterfeited. It is sold illegally across the UK, and can contain toxic chemicals such as windscreen washer fluid, nail varnish remover, charcoal and bleach. If consumed, it can seriously affect your health.

The criminals selling this lethal chemical cocktail don’t care about your health. All they want is to make a profit. They may even deliberately target areas where young people or students live or socialise, knowing they may care less about the source of their drink.

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How can I stay safe?

There are a several things that you can do to make sure you stay safe from this dangerous crime, including knowing how to spot fake vodka and knowing the  symptoms of consuming fake alcohol.

How to spot fake vodka?

It can be hard to know if a bottle of vodka is fake, but there are a few things that might make you question it. Is the drink a lot cheaper than you’d expect? Was the bottle hidden under the counter before it was sold to you? Did you feel exceptionally unwell after drinking it?

  • Spelling mistakes – fake bottles often have incorrectly spelt words and grammatical errors.
  • Poor quality labelling – fake bottles often have misaligned or badly printed labels.
  • Properly sealed bottle cap – never drink from a bottle without a properly sealed cap.
  • Duty paid sticker/stamp – spirits in 35cl bottles or larger must have a duty stamp. Some fake bottles carry counterfeit stickers, or do not have a sticker at all.
  • Fake barcodes – fake bottles often have fake barcodes. If in doubt, there are apps that can check a barcode’s authenticity.
  • Smell – fake vodka often smells like nail varnish – never ever drink it if it smells strange.
  • Taste – fake vodka often tastes horrible.
  • Sediment – fake vodka can contain sediment that you can see in the liquid – pure vodka should always be clear.
If you feel particularly unwell after drinking vodka, it could be an indication of a fake bottle. If a number of people that have drunk vodka from the same bottle or at the same venue have similar symptoms, it’s likely that fake vodka is the cause.

When you’re out socialising with friends and at parties it can be hard to tell if that fruity punch you’re drinking is made up with fake alcohol or not. If you have any doubts about it you should report it to us anonymously.
 
Consuming fake vodka can be lethal. The cocktail of harmful chemicals can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and dizziness. 

More severe cases include liver and kidney failure, coma, blindness, and death. 

If you or a friend feels ill, don’t hesitate - seek medical help straight away.

Find out more about fake vodka

 

What to do if you have information

If you (or someone you know) have consumed fake vodka and have become unwell you should always seek medical advice immediately.

If you believe you or a friend have consumed any kind of counterfeit alcohol, or you suspect it is being sold in a particular shop, bar, or venue, report it 100% anonymously by calling 0800 234 6388 or via the online report form below.

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We will never ask for your name, and your phone call or online report will never be traced.

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