FSAI Welcomes Tuam District Court Ruling

Wednesday, 27 April 2022

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) welcomed the outcome in Tuam District Court yesterday, 26 April 2022, in relation to Judge James Faughnan’s sentencing of three defendants in cases taken by the Health Service Executive (HSE), supported by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

The cases were taken against Mr Aiden Cummins, The Front Room (also known as Hibernia Inn), Tuam, Co. Galway, Mr Joe Cummins, Tuam Retail Limited trading as Cosmo Off-Licence, Tuam, Co. Galway and Ms Rachel Cummins, Tuam Retail Limited trading as Cosmo Off-Licence, Tuam, Co. Galway.

On 26 October 2021, evidence was provided to the court that following a complaint to the FSAI of illness from the consumption of alcohol in the Front Room, an inspection of the premises was conducted by authorised officers of the HSE and the FSAI. A significant quantity of counterfeit Smirnoff Red Label vodka was found in the Front Room and it was seized and removed from the premises. Mr Aiden Cummins entered a guilty plea in relation to five charges and was ordered to pay costs of €15,200 and was sentenced to 150 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison.

Mr Joe Cummins from Cosmo Off-Licence entered a guilty plea to charges of failing to maintain records of the supplier of Smirnoff Red Label vodka and failure to maintain records of the dates of transactions/delivery in respect of Smirnoff Red Label vodka supplied to him from a third party. Mr Joe Cummins paid costs of €1,000 and the Judge imposed a fine €750.

Ms Rachel Cummins from Cosmo Off-Licence entered a guilty plea to a charge of failing to notify the official agency of an establishment under her control with a view to registration. Evidence was provided in court that Ms Rachel Cummins had sold Smirnoff Red Label vodka from an unknown source to Mr Aiden Cummins. Ms Rachel Cummins paid costs of €1,000 and was sentenced to 100 hours community service in lieu of two months in prison.

Commenting on the case, the FSAI stated that the sale and supply of counterfeit alcohol is a very serious offence, as these products could cause dangerous adverse health effects. The FSAI takes all complaints of illness from consumption of counterfeit alcohol and information in relation to counterfeit products seriously. They are treated with the utmost importance and investigations are conducted in the interest of protecting consumer health.