"Controlled Purchase Operation uncovers alcohol sales to minors"

A Wairarapa business is one of three to be reported to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority after selling alcohol to minors in a recent controlled purchase operation run last Friday night.

Two young volunteers aged 17-years-old were able to purchase alcohol at the licensed premises which was one of ten businesses visited in the Wairarapa District. The other two sales occurred in Upper Hutt.

The purpose of the operation was to test the compliance of licensees with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, and in particular, checking the age of patrons entering the premises and buying alcohol.

Sergeant Shane Benge, of the Police Alcohol Harm Prevention office said "The business could have their liquor license and or manager's certificates temporarily suspended because of the sales."

Although an improvement from the last operation when four businesses sold alcohol to our volunteers, this result is still disappointing.

Licensed premises have a ‘no I.D.

no service’ policy for anyone who looks under the age of 25.

As our volunteers didn't have any identification with them, the sales should not have occurred," he said.

"The majority take their obligations under the Act and host responsibilities seriously.

We will be sending compliant businesses a follow-up letter encouraging them to keep up the good work."

"Alcohol and young people can be a dangerous mix.

We hope this operation reminds all licensed premises that controlled purchase operations can take place anytime and anywhere," he said.

Police, together with Regional Public Health and the City Council, continue to carry out operations on licensed suppliers including supermarkets, sports clubs, bars and restaurants, to further reduce the incidents of alcohol-related harm in the local community.

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