Pubwatch warning over rise in counterfeit notes

A pubwatch group says it has noticed a rise in the number of counterfeit bank notes being passed across bars by customers.

Shaun Tunaley, landlord of the Green Dragon Inn in Hucknall, brought the issue to light after he noticed two of his members of staff had been caught out by fake £20 notes bearing the new design which includes King Charles.

Mr Tunaley said: "I think there is an issue with the crossover from Queen's head to King's head, because we're seeing them be brought into circulation in dribs and drabs.

"You've got to keep your eyes on two designs per note."

He added: "I'm immediately down from the £40 of counterfeit notes, then I'm down on the change we've given in genuine currency, then I'm down on stock.

"There's also the impact on the bar staff, they're going to be feeling guilty through association that they've not been diligent with their checks. It doesn't create a great atmosphere."

The two notes which were given to the Green Dragon Inn were identified as counterfeits at a Post Office, which noticed there was no braille in the top left hand corner of the notes, which also reflected ultra violet light.

A spokesperson for the Hucknall Pubwatch confirmed its members had reported a rise in the number of counterfeit notes being passed across the bar, particularly at larger and busier pubs.

A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police recommended pubs and members of the public follow the Bank of England's guidance on checking bank notes.

This includes seeing whether the holographic image changes when the note is moved, and checking the type of metallic image depicted in the see-through window.

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