May 24, 2013

Mr. Roberts and Operation Swill: An American Tradition

"Smooth! And some little blonde will never know the difference...."

Rubbing alcohol as scotch? N.J. officials release details of 'Operation Swill' In most instances, they said, bars swapped higher-priced brands for less-expensive liquor. But in a few instances, "they didn't even bother doing that," said Michael Halfacre, director of the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

"They literally just filled it with whatever they had available," Halfacre said.

That, Chiesa said, poses a health risk.

"I think it's pretty dangerous," he said. "I wouldn't drink rubbing alcohol in my house. It serves a very specific purpose: to rub."

Posted by gerardvanderleun at May 24, 2013 12:31 PM
Bookmark and Share

Comments:

HOME

"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

I suspect Doc was using 200 proof lab ethanol and USP tincture of iodine. Can't get any purer than that.

Posted by: BillH at May 24, 2013 12:47 PM

Gotta be college kids buying this crap, TGIF was a college place when I went there, decades ago. Nobody who's drunk scotch would be fooled by this crap, I'd think

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 24, 2013 1:59 PM

That gives new meaning to the term blended scotch.

Posted by: Roger in Republic at May 25, 2013 10:18 AM

Changing out liquor is just the surface… It goes WAY deeper than you can imagine! If this news got your blood boiling you should check out a book I read called The Money Shot. Some bartender under a pen name revealed all the scams and extortion techniques he created to rip off the bar and its guests. Apparently he stole enough to start his own bar. Good read given the subject matter. You may have to take a shower after you’re done though.

Posted by: Jerod Birdseed at May 25, 2013 10:01 PM

William Powell's last movie. The three of them at their comedic best.

TGIF was one of the "go-to" places in Marina del Rey during the mid to late 70s. Haven't been in one in years.

Posted by: leelu at May 26, 2013 11:55 AM