Twyford retailer fined for supplying counterfeit vodka

A Twyford-based retailer has been found guilty of supplying counterfeit vodka to customers.

Ajit Singh Kapoor, of Booze Bargain in London Road, Twyford, was found guilty of three offences relating to the supply of counterfeit Smirnoff Vodka on Thursday.

The case against him was brought by West Berkshire and Wokingham Trading Standards Service.

He was prosecuted by West Berkshire Magistrates at Bracknell Magistrates Court.

Mr Kapoor was fined a total of £150 and ordered to pay £1,400 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.  

Sean Murphy, trading standards manager at West Berkshire and Wokingham trading standards said: "A number of foodstuffs and in particular, alcoholic drinks are now being counterfeited.

"This activity undermines market confidence and can be a front for more serious criminal activity.

"We would urge retailers to be vigilant when sourcing products and would invite consumers to contact us if they see anything suspicious."

The first offence related to the misuse of the Smirnoff trademark contrary to the Trade Marks Act 1994. The second related to the alcohol content which Mr Kapoor claimed to be 37.5 per cent, but was just 30.5 per cent, contrary to the Food Safety Act 1990.

The third offence was for falsely claiming the vodka was Smirnoff, contrary to the Food Safety Act 1990.