Russians and Poles are these days almost as likely to be found downing bottles of beer as shots of vodka.

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People could choose to drink less, or switch to vodka or beer.

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Dr Paul Williams, a forensic scientist specialising in alcohol, told the inquest at Southampton Civic Centre Donovan had also consumed cans and bottles of beer, as well as vodka and cocktails.

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All four went back to the hostel with a bottle of vodka and cans of beer.

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Now Zubrowka - bison grass vodka - and Zywiec beer are easy to find in British cities.

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In a world where bottles of wine featured dead wasps, the beer was often sour and the vodka adulterated, drinks such as Balsams were reliable, and for the most part available.

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"The unacceptable incident at Central Washington University, which appears to have involved hard liquor, such as vodka and rum, beer, our products, and possibly illicit substances, is precisely why we go to great lengths to ensure our products are not sold to underage consumers and are not abused, " a company statement said.

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Among them are Lexus, Ketel One vodka and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

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Today, the company's brand new, state-of-the-art factory produces 10, 000 bottles of gin and ready-to-drink vodka, as well as 15, 000 bottles of beer, per hour.

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