Fake vodkacould causeserious harm

The stark assessment was issued as a kebab shop operator was handed a suspended jail term after being caught selling illegal vodka at his premises in Hastings.

Ceyhun Varol was brought to justice following reports a woman had become unwell after drinking vodka bought at Erol’s Kebab and Steak House, in Queens Road.

Trading Standards officers seized two cases of counterfeit Smirnoff vodka and three bottles of Drop Vodka, an illegal brand which has in other parts of the country been found to contain industrial alcohol used in anti-freeze.

Varol, 33, admitted possessing and selling illicit alcohol and was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, in a hearing at Lewes Crown Court.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said: “This sentence sends out a clear message that sale of illegal alcohol will not be tolerated and offenders will be pursued through the courts.

“People who sell illicit alcohol of uncertain provenance are not only depriving the Treasury of the duty paid by reputable traders, they are potentially putting people’s lives at risk.

“If you buy illegal alcohol you’re playing Russian roulette with your health because as it is not subject to the usual stringent checks and safeguards, there’s no way of knowing what it might contain.

“We would encourage anyone who sees Drop Vodka on sale, or has suspicions about other brands of alcohol being sold, to help us combat this menace by reporting their concerns.”