While the vast majority of alcoholic drinks purchased in reputable bars, hotels and shops in Indonesia and the region do not pose a danger there have been a number of deaths and cases of serious illness caused by methanol poisoning. This was highlighted in April following the tragic death of British backpacker Cheznye Emmons who died as a result of drinking gin contaminated with methanol in Medan, Indonesia.

We warn UK nationals of the dangers posed by methanol poisoning via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office country travel advice on the gov.uk website.

www.gov.uk

We encourage the travelling public to consult country travel advice via our ‘Know Before You Go’ advertising campaign.

The travel advice for Indonesia/Bali contains the following warning:

“There have been a number of deaths and cases of serious illness of locals and foreigners in Indonesia caused by drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. Many of these cases have occurred in bars and shops in tourist areas. Seek local advice about reputable shops, bars and brands and take care when purchasing drinks, as bottles may appear to be genuine when they are not.

There have also been cases of methanol poisoning from drinking adulterated arak/arrack, a local rice or palm liquor. Make sure cocktails are prepared in your sight and do not leave drinks unattended as there have been reports of drink-spiking in clubs and nightspots. If you or someone you're travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning or drink-spiking, seek immediate medical attention”.

We include information and advice in other country travel advice pages where we are aware that methanol poisoning poses a significant risk. We currently have such advice in our travel advice for Vietnam and the Czech Republic.