A pub in the Valleys has been prosecuted after being found to have substituted Smirnoff vodka with an alternative brand. The offence was discovered at The Bear Inn in Llantrisant following a routine Trading Standards inspection.
On Friday, May 20 2022, a Rhondda Cynon Taf Trading Standards officer became suspicious of the authenticity of the Smirnoff vodka. Later analysis and investigations confirmed that Smirnoff had been substituted with an alternative brand.
Colin Edrop, the business owner of The Bear Inn, pleaded guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court on Friday, March 24 2023 to selling food not of the nature substance/quality demanded by the purchaser. He was ordered to pay a £403 fine, £752 court costs and £40 victim surcharge.
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Colin Edrop, 64, said to WalesOnline: "There are mitigating circumstances around this incident that the council are aware of and will remain private. A mistake has been made and as the owner of the business, I take full responsibility. I certainly will not allow this to happen again and all staff are fully trained to that affect.
"We are really sorry for letting our customers down. It was an innocent mistake and we look to their support and understanding at this time."
Rhian Hope, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s head of service for public protection and regulatory services, speaking after the court hearing, said: “Our Trading Standards officers work proactively ensuring food and drink consumed by the public is accurately described.
“This type of offence not only deceives consumers, but can also create an unfair trading advantage over other licensed premises and can have a negative impact on the brand holders.
“I hope this demonstrates to consumers, licensed premises and the brand holders who invest time and resources into ensuring their products are accurately described and presented, that checks are being made by Trading Standards and that this type of offence will be acted upon.”
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