Methylated spirit is any kind of 
Alcohol that has been rendered undrinkable (by the addition of 
methanol, a 
poison), and is used for industrial purposes such as fuel for spirit burners or as a 
Solvent. Methylated spirit is sometimes known as 
Meths for short.
There is no duty (tax)[?] to pay on meths making it considerably cheaper to buy than pure ethanol in most countries.
 
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