The easiest way to tell a genuine bottle is to check the cap and seal, the label, the batch code and the fill level together. No single sign is enough on its own, but if several don't add up, don't buy the bottle. This guide works in North Cyprus and anywhere else. At the end we explain how Jastin Off Licence approaches the products it sells.
Is there fake alcohol in North Cyprus?
The risk of fake or adulterated alcohol exists in many parts of the world, and it's behind the news stories about methanol poisoning abroad that worry many travellers. The risk usually comes from unregulated sales, opened or refilled bottles and prices far below the going rate. Buying sealed bottles of well-known brands from licensed shops with a permanent address greatly reduces the risk. If a drink seems suspicious, don't drink it.
How do I check wine and beer are fresh?
Beer and cider cans and bottles carry a best-before date, so check it. Cans shouldn't be bulging, rusty or leaking. With wine, a cork pushed outwards or dried wine around the neck can mean the bottle has been kept somewhere hot. On sparkling wine, the cork and wire cage should be in place. These issues don't mean a bottle is fake, but they can spoil your evening, so check them just as carefully.
What should I do if I've drunk something suspicious?
If after drinking you notice blurred vision, a severe headache, nausea or unusual weakness, get emergency medical help straight away and tell them what you drank. Keep the bottle if you can.
What about the products at Jastin Off Licence?
- Well-known brands: from whisky and gin to wine and beer, our shelves carry familiar international and Turkish brands.
- Unopened, sealed bottles: we never sell from opened or refilled bottles. Every product comes with the producer's own cap and seal.
- A permanent address: we have two shops, in the Bafra Tourism Zone (İskele, North Cyprus) and in Famagusta (Gazimağusa), with published opening hours and phone numbers: Bafra +90 539 138 15 62, Famagusta +90 542 881 16 80.
- Your right to check: you can inspect the bottle in store or on delivery. If you spot a problem with the seal or label, don't accept it and let us know.
Our official website is jastinofflicence.com.tr. For company details, see about Jastin Off Licence.
Extra tips when buying gifts
On gift-boxed products, the cellophane or tape should be intact, and the product name and volume on the box should match the bottle. For gift ideas, see our North Cyprus drinks gift guide.
What should I check on the bottle?
1. Cap and seal The cap should be unopened. On screw caps, the breakaway ring should be intact. The capsule (the foil or plastic over the cap) shouldn't look torn, loose or re-glued. On corked wine and champagne, the foil should sit neatly and the cork shouldn't be pushed out. 2. Label The print should be sharp. Blurred letters, spelling mistakes or a crooked label are warning signs. The back label should show the producer and bottler, the alcohol strength and the volume. If there's an official control label or tax stamp on the bottle, it shouldn't be torn or look as if it's been stuck on from elsewhere. 3. Batch (lot) code
Major brands laser-etch or print a batch code on the bottle or label. It should be legible. On boxed products, the code on the box usually matches the one on the bottle. A code that's been rubbed off, scratched out or is missing altogether needs a closer look.
4. Fill level and appearance If several bottles of the same product are side by side, the fill levels should match. A drink that should be clear shouldn't have sediment, cloudiness or floating bits. The glass and shape of the bottle should match the brand's familiar design. 5. Price and where you buy
A well-known brand sold far below the going rate is the strongest warning sign. Avoid sellers with no address, sellers who won't give a receipt and places selling from opened bottles.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if alcohol is fake?
Check the cap seal, the label print, the batch code, the fill level and the price together. If several signs don't add up, don't buy the bottle and don't drink it.
Is it safe to buy alcohol in North Cyprus?
If you buy unopened bottles of well-known brands from shops with a permanent address, the risk is very low. Avoid places that sell from opened bottles or won't give a receipt.
Does Jastin Off Licence sell from opened bottles?
No. All products are sold unopened, with the producer's own cap and seal.
Can I check the bottle on delivery?
Yes. Check the seal and label while the driver is there. If you spot a problem, don't accept it and let us know by WhatsApp or phone.
What is a batch code for?
A batch code is the producer's production tracking number. It should be legible and, on boxed products, usually matches the code on the box. A scratched-out or missing code is a warning sign.
What is Jastin Off Licence's official website?
Our official website is jastinofflicence.com.tr. Phone/WhatsApp: Bafra branch +90 539 138 15 62, Famagusta branch +90 542 881 16 80.
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