Poland’s National Tax Administration warns that alcohol purchased from bazaars or flea markets can endanger life, urging consumers to avoid unlicensed spirits.
Health Risks of Unregulated Alcohol
Police warn that spirits sold outside official outlets may be produced by unauthorized persons from technical-grade ethanol, which is not fit for drinking.
Such illicit beverages are often cheap and may contain poisonous substances that can cause severe poisoning or even death.
Illicit Production Conditions
These drinks are manufactured in unsanitary settings such as barns, sheds, basements, or garages with no health regulations.
To mask the taste, producers mix additives like aromas and dyes, further increasing toxicity.
Chemical Contamination and Toxic Additives
Laboratory tests by KAS confirm that the alcohol is mixed with chemicals normally used for pest control, disinfection, and preservation.
The result is a colourless liquid in transparent PET bottles or coloured local liqueurs, all hazardous to consume.
Legal Penalties and Enforcement
Sales of illicit spirits without proper excise stamps constitute a tax offence punishable by a fine up to 720 daily rates (≈ 44.8 million PLN) or up to five years’ imprisonment.
Similarly, tax fraud involving the acquisition, storage or concealment of such alcohol attracts the same penalties.
Retailers who fail to supervise and allow these violations may also be fined, and courts can confiscate the illegal beverages.
Licensing authorities may revoke alcohol sales permits if illegal sources are found in the supply chain.