Please attribute to Sergeant Tai Patrick, Alcohol Harm Prevention Officer.

Police are disappointed with the actions of several premises following a recent Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) in the Whangarei and Kaipara areas.

The operation was conducted by Northland Police Alcohol Harm Prevention Officers along with the Whangarei District Council, and Northland District Health.

CPO’s are used in conjunction with licence compliance checks to ensure licensed premises and certified managers are operating within their legal responsibilities.

For this operation a minor, under the age of 18 years, visited premises and attempted to purchase alcohol. Half of those who requested identification and weren’t satisfied with the lack of proof of identity and age politely declined the sale. Disappointingly, half did sell alcohol to the minor.

Minors are at increased risk of alcohol-related harm and selling alcohol to a minor is a serious offence, attracting heavy fines and/or suspension upon conviction.

“It is a privilege, not a right, that licensees and duty managers are granted the ability to sell alcohol and we expect them to take their responsibilities around the sale of alcohol extremely seriously.

To sell to minors who are carrying, and on request presenting, legitimate identification showing they are under the legal purchase age is unacceptable,” says Sergeant Tai Patrick

Police will be applying to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) for orders in relation to each sale to the minor.

If you have any concerns about the sale or supply of alcohol to minors in your community, or you have any other questions around the sale or supply of alcohol, please contact your local Police station or Alcohol Harm Prevention Officer.

A wide range of resources is also available at www.alcohol.org.nz.

ENDS

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