Cavan bar convicted over counterfeit vodka

A County Cavan bar has been convicted of selling counterfeit vodka, following an investigation by the Food Safety Authority.

The prosecution was taken against Hughie's Bar in Kingscourt following the seizure of below-strength Smirnoff vodka on the premises.

The business pleaded guilty and was convicted of:

• Making a false statement to an authorised officer which misled the investigation

• Selling below-strength counterfeit Smirnoff Red Label vodka

• Misleading consumers regarding the packaging and labelling of the product

• Failing to provide information on traceability and provenance of the product.

The bar was fined €7,000 plus costs of €2,000. The Authority has described the offence as "an unacceptable breach of consumer trust".