Publican fined for selling cheap spirits

A Lower Kersal publican has been found guilty of selling to the public 'brand name' spirits which were actually cheaper versions of the drink.

In February 2012, officers from Salford's Trading Standards visited the Lower Kersal Social Club on Stamford Road, Lower Kersal and carried out a routine inspection.

Screen testing was carried out on the Gordon's gin, Bacardi and Vladivar vodka which showed that the bottles had other brands in them. This was confirmed by the public analyst who tested formal samples of all three and reported that all the bottles contained spirits that were not the brand on the labels.

On 9 January 2013, Anthony Bardsley, born 3 July 1960, licensee of Lower Kersal Social Club pleaded guilty to the sale of spirits which were falsely described and was fined £200. The Lower Kersal Social Club also pleaded guilty and was fined £500, plus costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Councillor Gena Merrett, assistant mayor for housing and environment at Salford City Council, said: "When people buy a drink they expect to be given it and not a cheap substitute. To ensure this is the case Salford City Council will continue to make routine inspections and unannounced visits to licensed premises across the city."

Date published: Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Reference number: 13-3416

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