New Jersey officials seize inventory, demand records from 29 bars and restaurants that allegedly sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands

Nevin Barich

TRENTON, New Jersey , May 22, 2013 (Associated Press) – NJ: 'Operation Swill' caught 29 bars, restaurants substituting cheap liquor for premium brands

New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants that allegedly sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.

Dubbed "Operation Swill," the yearlong investigation discovered that establishments had filled premium brand bottles with cheaper booze in an effort to fool customers and increase their profits.

The inquiry was conducted by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division and executed by more than 100 state investigators. The seizures announced Wednesday were done with the assistance of the state's Criminal Justice Division.

The enforcement action stems from citizen complaints, confidential informants and new technology used to test samples taken covertly from the establishments.

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