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THE ALCOFLOAT SPIRIT TEST KIT
► THE ALCOFLOAT SPIRIT TEST KIT OFFERS:
- A quick, easy to use method of detecting “added water” in branded spirits.
- An instrument kit manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001 standards and supplied with UKAS Calibration Certification in compliance with ISO17025.
- A “due diligence” defence for use in both criminal proceedings and industrial tribunals.
- A system that requires a minimum amount, approximately 1.5ml or a 1/4 of a teaspoon, of test spirit, producing significant savings if industry “best practices” are followed.
► WHY DO YOU NEED IT?
Although the pub industry has taken steps over recent years to enable a licensee or an owner to detect and prevent “Authenticity Fraud” through the issue of dipstick test papers, the question of “added water” has been difficult to detect until now, unless the licensee has been able to use a hydrometer.
The average fine for a single, first offence is now well in excess of £10000 plus costs.
Many pub chain owners are putting the onus for ensuring the product meets its legal description, which includes the ABV, firmly on the shoulders of the licensee.
A defense of “due diligence” can only be entered if the licensee and/or owner keep accurate records of the results of regular tests on a wide range of spirits sold in the establishment.
► The ALCOFLOAT SPIRIT TEST KIT has been developed by H&D Fitzgerald Ltd in conjunction with a major pub and restaurant chain, and with advice from a leading Trading Standards office.
The Alcofloat kit is designed to easily and swiftly detect any “watering down” of branded spirits, whether deliberate or accidental. The instrument is provided with a UKAS calibration certificate, enabling the user to have confidence in the results obtained, and to be sure that any evidence gathered by using the instrument will be admissible in a court of law or in an industrial tribunal. The regular use of the Alcofloat kit, and the record of the results obtained, could also form a significant part of a “due diligence” defence for both licensee and owner.
Since the instrument uses a small amount of spirit for each test, the user can test more frequently than before without the fear of excessive wastage. Best practice in food hygiene recommends that the tested liquid should not be returned to the bottle for later sale, thus the use of the Alcofloat kit could produce significant savings.
The standard Alcofloat kit can be used to detect the presence of additional water in a wide range of popular spirits with labelled ABV’s of 40% and 37.5 %.
A second model, primarily intended for regulatory authorities, can detect “watering” in a range including 43%, 40%, 37.5% and 35% ABV.
Other more specific and tailored instruments can be made to order.
The kit can be used by pub managers and cellar-men, by auditors and stock-takers, in fact by anyone who has an interest in maintaining the high standards needed in public house management today.
The kit is extremely easy to use, is supplied with a comprehensive set of simple, step by step instructions and has a highly visible and durable carrying case which can be used both as a deterrent and also as an advertisement as to the high standards of customer protection operating in the pub.
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