Warning of fines for Irish tourists

IRISH holidaymakers jetting off to Italy this summer are being warned to steer clear of fake Gucci handbags, cheap Versace suits and counterfeit Dolce & Gabbana wear.

Tourists face fines of up to €10,000 if Italian customs officials spot them leaving the country with rogue merchandise.

Italy was one of the top five destinations for Irish tourists last year, with 303,000 visitors spending the equivalent of 2.6 million nights there.