SP bars react to cases of methanol poisoning and customers’ concern

A growing climate of concern has taken the bars of São Paulo in recent days. Throughout the state, there are already five deaths suspected of methanol intoxication and one confirmed. The repercussion of cases increased after investigations detected counterfeit alcohol contaminated by the toxic substance.

The fear gained space among customers, who started thinking twice before requesting the drink letter and even attending the establishments.

Chef Martin Casilli and Bartender Renan Tarantino noticed the impact on Sky Hall groups. “We had some corporate customers wanting to adjust menus to offer only fermented drinks, for example, but we made a point of demonstrating that in our chain there is no breach for quality dropout,” they explain.

The former bar, which recently joined the 50 Best Bars ranking, has received different questions on the subject. “It is natural to be concerned about news about adulterated drinks and their results, which are horrible, but we want to reassure our customers that in our bar each drink we serve has guaranteed origin,” says owner Márcio Silva.

The concern about the origin of alcoholic beverages also mobilized bars posts on social networks. Part of the establishments published notes stating that they work with transparency and security.

Bars like Sky Hall and the expert have stressed that they work with homologated distributors for each brand and that the product purchase process is part of a traceable chain.

Because of the repercussion, the excellent states that it strengthened security measures by creating an inventory spreadsheet from all group stores to number the seals of the bottles. According to Márcio, the document is being organized in conjunction with nutritionists and employees and will indicate the term of authentication of suppliers. “Thus, in case of inspection, we will have a document that proves our control, directly linked to the monthly inventory of each unit.”

Gabriel Santana, Santana Bar and Cordial, also says that houses work with the traceability of the items. “For example, if they are Diageo products, in partners, such as GRF and Front Drinks; Beam Supply at Mult Bev … and so on.”

But on the impacts of the clientele, Bartender says they could not yet be estimated. “We will have a clearer response over the weekend, which is the most movement period in the establishment.”

Owner Sylas Rocha says he follows the same logic in The Door, a bar dedicated to high cocktail. Although the purchase process occurs only with approved distributors, the situation motivated him to demand reports from all suppliers to reinforce confidence in the service.

He explains that, besides more security, approved also often offer the best prices. “You can establish a partnership because the brand can have control of who and how much it is buying.”

On the other hand, the great attraction of distributors that provide counterfeit or adulterated drinks is precisely the price. Items are often marketed with promotions below market values, both for bars and for consumers themselves.

“Sometimes the crowd wants to save, want to leave, but pay cheap. Then take combo, right? Or promotion of two caipirinhas for $ 15. It’s not what you take, is where You take it, “says Sylas.

The Sky Hall team agrees that the site analysis is required. In addition to distrusting high -quality drink offers, Martin and Renan recommend to avoid buying street vendors and establishments that do not highlight their credentials, such as the business license.

“If you want to have more security, demanding to see the label of the drink in question to check all traceability items is a right assisted by law guaranteed to you.”

However, doctors recommend that alcohol consumption be avoided during investigations, even if the products are sealed and contain the tax seal.

According to the State Department of Health of São Paulo, there are 37 recorded cases of methanol poisoning throughout the state so far, ten confirmed and 27 in investigation. The figures differ from those released by the Ministry of Health, which confirmed that they received 39 cases in the state, ten confirmed and 29 under investigation.

In addition to these cases, the ministry states that there are four cases investigated in Pernambuco. In total, the folder claims to have received 43 methanol poisoning notifications across the country.