Crackdown on illegal booze in Manchester as cocktail bar serves up counterfeit vodka
Crimestoppers say customers are being put at risk from fake drinks.
Revellers in Manchester have been warned to be on the look out for knock-off booze.
New figures released by Crimestoppers show over a billion pounds was spent on illegal alcohol last year.
Bleach, anti-freeze and computer screenwash are just some of the ingredients that have been found in fake booze, in some cases leaving drinkers needing hospital treatment.
One cocktail bar in Manchester was fined £2000 after being found guilty of serving up counterfeit vodka.
Gary Murray North West Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Illegal alcohol might not be seen as a serious problem to some, especially if it means they save a bit of money.
“But imagine if your local shop closed down due to loss of earnings because someone was undercutting them by selling illicit alcohol, or someone you know became ill because of cheap counterfeit booze that had harmful chemicals in it. It then becomes a problem for you."