South Ayrshire Council - News - Council Watchdogs Receive Award

Council Watchdogs Receive Award

South Ayrshire Council has received an award from the International Federation of Spirit Producers (the IFSP) in recognition of the work it has carried out to ensure unscrupulous bar staff or owners don’t dupe the public with substituted spirits.

The award, which recognises the work of both the Trading Standards and Environmental Health services of the Council, was presented at a special industry event during the Trading Standards Institute Conference in Manchester last week. This is the second year running that Trading Standards has received the award.

Phil Scatchard from the IFSP said, “Following a number of prosecutions by Trading Standards and name and shame articles in local newspapers across the UK, the number of offending premises has been reduced from 1 in 12 outlets, (8%), to 1 in 50 outlets (2%). This saves consumers over £30 million every year. By giving this award, along with a financial contribution for professional development, we recognise the good work that local authorities such as South Ayrshire carry out in protecting consumers and reputable businesses alike.”

A spokesman for the Council said, “Our Officers are equipped with special ‘substitution sticks’ that can give an immediate indication as to whether the correct brand is being served. This year we have obtained a new ‘brand authenticator’ that matches the sample to a chemical profile enabling us to check a wider range of brands than previously. If these checks throw up any doubt we take formal samples for analysis. In previous years we have reported several people to the Procurator Fiscal. Last year we carried out a range of checks in the run up to the party season in December. We were extremely pleased that the picture is an improving one and none of the premises gave any cause for concern.”

Councillor Peter Convery, who is responsible for Trading Standards and Environmental Health matters added, “In the vast majority of cases the licensed trade in South Ayrshire operates to the highest standards and it is in their interests that we take firm action against the few unscrupulous people that flout the law. The results are very encouraging that the message is getting through that we will not tolerate the public being cheated in South Ayrshire. We offer free training in legislation and best practice to bar staff to help avoid problems like short measure, brand substitution and overcharging. I am delighted that the often unnoticed work carried out by Council officers on the community’s behalf has been recognised in this way.”

If anyone has any suspicions about drinks in this respect they should contact Trading Standards at 5/7 River Terrace, Ayr, by telephone on 01292 616060 or e-mail us at cabac@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or through the website: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

June 2007