A frequent visitor to Bali is urging tourists to take an unconventional step when discarding alcohol bottles to prevent potentially fatal poisoning. Colin Ahearn, a safe drink advocate, warns that empty bottles are often refilled with dangerous substances and resold to unsuspecting travelers.
The Danger of Refilled Spirits
Ahearn has campaigned for nearly a decade against the sale of “dodgy spirits” and the risk of methanol poisoning in Bali. He warns that spirits from open bottles are particularly high risk due to ongoing reports of refilling practices.
Methanol is a cheap, tasteless and odourless alternative to alcohol. Because it cannot be detected by scent or taste, it is often used to refill bottles and pass them off as duty-free drinks.
A Simple Strategy for Safety
To combat this, Ahearn suggests a simple trick: destroy the bottle once it is finished. He advises travelers to “trash the label” and “wreck the lid” to develop the bottle less attractive and harder for others to resell.
Ahearn recently shared photos online of bottles with labels scratched off to demonstrate the process. He explicitly advises against smashing the glass, as this could pose a safety risk.
Broader Risks Across Southeast Asia
This issue is not limited to Bali but is a concern across Southeast Asia. Ahearn noted that ordering spirits at bars in Bali is almost always high risk.
The consequences can be lethal. In 2024, two young Australian girls, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, died after consuming tainted spirits in a hostel bar in Vang Vieng, Laos. Last year, an Australian mother similarly reported a terrifying experience in Bali involving suspected methanol poisoning.
How to Eliminate the Risk
While buying duty-free spirits at the airport is an exception, Ahearn still recommends destroying the bottle after use. For all other occasions, he suggests avoiding bar spirits entirely.
To eliminate the risk of methanol poisoning, travelers are encouraged to stick to beer, wine, or premixed drinks purchased from supermarkets and mini-marts. Ahearn states that following this advice removes the chance of being hit with methanol.
If more travelers adopt these disposal habits and avoid high-risk spirits, it may lead to a decrease in the availability of authentic-looking bottles for refilling. This shift in behavior could potentially reduce the number of tourists falling victim to tainted alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended way to discard alcohol bottles in Bali?
You should scratch off the labels and wreck the lid of the bottle to make it harder and less attractive for others to refill and resell.
Why is methanol specifically dangerous in cocktails?
Methanol is dangerous because it is a cheap alternative to alcohol that has no taste or smell, making it impossible for a consumer to detect in a drink.
What are the safest alcoholic beverage choices for tourists?
The safest options are beer, wine, or premixed drinks purchased from supermarkets and mini-marts.
Would you consider destroying your alcohol bottles to help protect other travelers?
