Northland District Headquarters
88 Cameron Street, Whangärei
Tuesday March 3, 2014

For the first time since the new liquor laws were introduced, Whangärei Police have carried out an intoxication monitoring exercise.

The monitoring involved plain clothes police officers observing patrons and staff in various bars around the Whangärei District.

It was held as part of a Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) in conjunction with the Northland District Health Board.

Whangärei Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer Constable Mark Andrews says 16 premises were visited as part of the CPO, 14 of these were off-licensed premises. One off-licensed premises sold to a minor (aged under 18 years) and one on-licensed premises sold to a minor.

Two on-licensed premises in the Whangärei CBD were caught with heavily intoxicated patrons on the premises.
Mr Andrews says the premises that breached the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 would face penalties.

Penalties can include a minimum suspension of trading for 24 hours and a minimum of a two-week suspension of a duty manager's licence. These penalties apply to selling to minors and intoxicated people.

Mr Andrews says Police are still concerned about the level of intoxication and alcohol consumption at licensed premises in the Whangärei CBD and will continue to target the area with CPOs and remind the licensees of their responsibilities under the act.

"However, a majority of the licensed premises do comply with the law and I'd like to acknowledge those who check IDs of young people and keep an eye on intoxication levels."

Mr Andrews says the CPOs are not just about checking compliance of the licensed premises, but are part of making Whangarei a safe place to have a night out.

"Alcohol continues to be one of the main drivers of crime, particularly in disorder and violence. We want people to enjoy themselves and not become the victims of alcohol induced crime."

ENDS

© Scoop Media