Tests on vodka found in Tipperary hurler Lar Corbett's pub in Thurles found it to be fake.
The case against Marlstone Investments Ltd, of which Mr Corbett is a director, was before Thurles District Court where the matter was adjourned pending legal clarification.
Marlstone Investments Ltd is charged with failing to pay tax on alcohol found by Customs and Excise officers in January 2015.
Customs and Excise officers gave evidence of entering Coppinger's bar in Thurles on the 29th of January 2015…upon inspection they found 23 bottles of Smirnoff-labelled vodka they suspected of not being genuine.
Officers Sean Maloney and Sarah Cushnahan told the court that they used both visual examination and an 'authenticator' from Diageo to determine that the bottles were fake.
Following testing by the State Laboratory, the liquid in the bottles was found to contain 34.1% alcohol…below the EU regulations of 37.5% and was therefore not genuine.
Colin Cushley from Diageo told the court that the labels on the bottles were 'fake' and were not put on the correct way.
Judge Elizabeth McGrath heard that at a subsequent meeting with Customs officer Sarah Cushnahan, Mr Corbett said the pub's supply of vodka was purchased at Gleeson wholesalers and a Carry Out off license….Ms Cushnahan said on inspection, she found no evidence of fake bottles in either of the two premises.
Mr Corbett also provided a number of receipts for the purchase of 36 bottles of vodka over several weeks leading up to the inspection.
Counsel for the hurling star, Padraig De Burca made a submission to the court that there was no evidence to show that Mr Corbett had failed to pay the appropriate tax,
Judge McGrath said that issue had not been addressed appropriately and the court 'could not jump to conclusions'
State solicitor Michelle O'Connell said it was a legal matter of a technical nature and requested the case be adjourned to allow her time to provide information.
Judge McGrath adjourned the case until next Tuesday.
