Andrea Battistella, 27, who has a degree in viniculture and oenology, will make surprise visits to establishments throughout the Veneto region, from where prosecco originates.

He will check that the fizzy wine that is being sold is genuinely prosecco, rather than some imitation, and that it is poured directly from the bottle rather than pumped out of taps or served in carafes.

Bars and enotecas found to be ripping off their customers will be liable to fines ranging from €2,000 to a hefty €20,000 (£17,400).

The initiative has been pushed by a consortium of prosecco producers.

“Above all it is a measure to protect the consumer,” said Stefano Zanette, president of the consortium. “Customers have the right to expect that they get what they pay for.”