Hi all -
Found this info online: Media release: Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development
Media release: Wednesday 4 July 2007 New South Wales
http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/mr-04-07-07-liquor-wholesaler-fined-bogus-booze.aspLiquor wholesaler fined for bogus booze scamA liquor wholesaler has been ordered to pay $110,000 in the Supreme Court for selling fake Scotch whisky with a lower alcohol content than real Scotch, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said today.
Fernbrew Pty Ltd supplies liquor products to a number of retailers across NSW, including to D’Aquino Bros Pty Ltd retail outlet in Orange.
Mr Macdonald said the NSW Food Authority seized 294 bottles of bogus whisky labelled as “Old McTavish Scotch Whisky” from the Orange store.
“The State Government will not tolerate these or any other type of rip-offs where consumers are cheated out of their hard-earned money,” Mr Macdonald said.
“It is also unfair to other businesses. “Firstly, Scotch whisky must have a minimum of 40 % alcohol by volume – this particular whisky being sold by Fernbrew only had 38.6 %.
“Secondly, under labelling laws, whisky sold as “Scotch whisky” must be produced in Scotland, whereas this whisky by Fernbrew was produced by an unknown manufacturer.”
Fernbrew, trading as D’Aquino Bond Wholesalers, was ordered to pay a $30,000 fine and $80,000 in costs, after the proprietors pleaded guilty to selling bogus Scotch liquor.
Mr Macdonald said the Food Authority first began its investigations in May 2004, following complaints from the Liquor Merchants’ Association and the Scotch Whisky Association.
“Any retailer who thinks they can get away with selling bogus booze like this is on notice that the Iemma Government will do everything in its power to protect consumers in NSW,” he said.
“Scotch whisky often sells for a premium and consumers have a right to know that they’re getting what they are paying for.”