RCT Public House Prosecution
A Rhondda Cynon Taf public house has been prosecuted by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards after being found to have substituted Smirnoff vodka with an alternative brand.
Colin Edrop, the business owner of The Bear Inn, Llantrisant, pleaded guilty during an appearance at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court and was ordered to pay a total of £1,194 – a £402 fine, £752 court costs and £40 victim surcharge.
The offence was discovered following a routine Trading Standards inspection undertaken in May 2022, where a 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.
Rhian Hope, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Head of Service for Public Protection
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.”
