Published: Wednesday, 20th January, 2010 3:20pm

Tillicoultry landlord fined over gin mix-up

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Landlord Frank Halkett was fined £200 over the gin mix-up.

THE landlord of the Royal Arms in Tillicoultry has been fined £200 after his wife mixed together two different types of gin when she was cleaning up at closing time.

Alloa Sheriff Court heard on Monday that Frank Halkett (59) had sold Gordon's Gin, which had been mixed together with Beefeater's Gin by his wife who was trying to be "efficient".

Depute fiscal James Graham told the court that council environmental officers had visited the Royal Arms, and took six samples of Gordon's Gin for tests.

The percentage of the measures taken was 39.6 per cent, whereas Gordon's Gin alcohol percentage should be 37.5 per cent.

Halkett, of Upper Mill Street, Tillicoultry, pleaded guilty to selling Gordon's Gin on 15 July 2009, which was not to the quality demanded by the purchaser.

Gala day

His defence lawyer said the pub had just one regular drinker of gin and normally gets through about one bottle of Gordon's Gin every four to six weeks.

"It was gala day in the area on the day of the offence, and six people that were working at the gala day came to the pub, and all of them ordered gin and tonic," explained the solicitor.

"The accused placed a new bottle of Gordon's Gin at the bar, as he realised they were likely to run out that day.

"The night ended, and they had served three rounds of Gordon's Gin for the whole group, which worked out at 18 drinks.

"His wife was clearing up, and mixed together the remains of a bottle of Beefeater, and put it in with the opened bottle of Gordon's Gin. It was only around two or three servings worth that were mixed in with the Gordon's Gin.

"She was only trying to be efficient. My client accepts full responsibility for what has happened.

"He is the premises license holder, and knows he will have to tell the authorities. If he loses his licence, it will affect his livelihood."

Sheriff Ian Hammond told Halkett, who has been landlord of the pub for 11 years, "The authorities take a serious view on these sorts of matters.

"Publicans should know better and staff should be better trained.

"This is a serious matter but I feel a financial penalty would be the most appropriate punishment."