The company who run Bodega bar in Monton has been fined for being in possession of counterfeit vodka at the premises.
The director of Wine Bar Supplies Limited, John Eric Spiby, 70, pleaded guilty at Salford and Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 13 September 2016.
The company was fined £2,000, ordered to pay costs of £800 and £175 victim surcharge.
The case started on Wednesday 26 August 2015 when officers from Trading Standards visited Bodega on Monton Road as part of an illicit alcohol survey following the discovery of an illegal alcohol distillery in the North West.
Eight bottles of Glen’s Vodka were discovered in the cellar and they were seized because officers were concerned the labels appeared to be different from the branded ones.
The bottles were retained as evidence and sent for analysis and it was found they contained contaminant alcohols and lower in strength than a genuine brand.
The brand owner confirmed the packaging and labels were counterfeit.
The company claimed throughout the investigation that the alcohol was not for sale and was for personal use.
Councillor David Lancaster, Executive Lead Member for Environment and Community Safety at Salford City Council, said: “To make sure people in Salford were not at risk, Trading Standards visited pubs and bars to check alcohol on the premises is safe and legitimate.
“We will continue to make unannounced visits to check that illegal alcohol is not on sale in this City as we do not want people being put at risk as well as being misled.
“We would advise businesses to only purchase stock from reputable suppliers and ensure they receive invoices for the goods.”
Consumers or businesses who believe they have been offered counterfeit alcohol can report it to Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.
