Distillery warns against alcohol during heatwave

Yorkshire-based York Gin Distillery has advised its customers to “lay off” gin and tonics until the UK heatwave has passed.

As the UK faces temperatures of 40°C, the distillery has chosen to prioritise the safety of its customers over the consumption of its products.

“We’re taking the unusual step for a gin company to advise you to lay off the G&Ts on Monday and Tuesday,” a spokesperson for the company commented. “With temperatures in York due to hit up to 39°C, we’re advising you all to concentrate on keeping as cool and hydrated as possible.

“Alcohol makes you sweat more, and it makes you wee more – neither helps with hydration, so our advice is: take a couple of days off the booze, and enjoy a double on Wednesday when it’s all over and it’s raining!”

York Gin’s co-founding director Emma Godivala added: “These temperatures are just crazy – and we think the best thing people can do is to concentrate on staying as cool as possible, and avoiding dehydration.

“We’re looking after our distillery and shop staff with extra air conditioners. We won’t be distilling any gin on Monday and Tuesday as it involves heating our copper still, and we’ll keep a watching brief on whether we need to take any other measures.”

Last month York Gin Distillery was robbed of a ‘very significant quantity’ of its gins, causing a six-figure loss and a delay for orders.