334 shops join fight against fake goods

A council crackdown on counterfeit goods across Staffordshire has the support of more than 300 retailers, bosses have said.

It forms part of the council's Fight the Fakes campaign which kicked off today.

Since August last year, when trading standards officers investigated reports of counterfeit alcohol on sale in some shops, both consumers and businesses have been made aware of the dangers to public health.

Trading standard officers are also battling an ongoing fight against counterfeit tobacco.

With the launch of the campaign, 334 independent retailers are to receive a Fight the Fakes packs. These include advice on problems associated with illegal alcohol and tobacco and tips for retailer on how to avoid these products. There are also Fight the Fakes business cards explaining how people can report information about the supply of fake alcohol and tobacco.

In addition, packs include a UV light which gives an indication that the duty mark on a bottle of spirits may be forged, and the alcohol illegal for sale.

Cabinet member for communities, Pat Corfield said: "Fight the Fakes is another example of us working with businesses and the community to ensure we are living in a safer Staffordshire.

"We also want to protect local retailers who can be unfairly undercut by others who disregard the law.

"Our fight against the sale of dangerous counterfeit alcohol continues and we understand it will be an ongoing problem.

"However if we're taking any dangerous counterfeit goods out of circulation we are achieving our goals."

He said the council wanted to send a clear message to traders selling counterfeits that everything would be done to stop them.

"Unfortunately around a fifth of the independent retailers we visited as part of our operation were found to have counterfeit alcohol on sale and the appropriate action is now being taken"

Councillor Corfield added."Through Fight the Fakes, we hope to instil awareness and responsible trading with our businesses."

The Food Standards Agency has awarded the council £50,474 towards the operation in recognition of extensive work already done.