India, Feb. 24 -- Ahead of Holi, the district excise department has issued a public advisory warning people against consuming liquor sold by illegal outlets ahead of Holi, cautioning that such alcohol could be spurious and potentially fatal.

District excise officer Subodh Kumar said liquor sold illegally - whether loose or bottled - may contain methanol, a highly toxic substance. "Consumption of illicit liquor can lead to loss of eyesight and may even result in death," he said.

Kumar clarified that the sale of loose liquor or liquor packed in pouches is not permitted in Uttar Pradesh. "Consumers should purchase only sealed liquor with QR codes from licensed shops. Any information regarding sale of liquor from unauthorised places should ...