Wairarapa Police are pleased with the results of a recent Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO).

Police, District Licencing Agencies and the Wairarapa District Health Board joined forces to run the operation yesterday evening.

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

A volunteer aged under-18 visited a number of premises and attempted to purchase alcohol.

All the premises visited requested identification, correctly identified the age of the minor and politely declined the sale.

Sergeant Kevin Basher, Wairarapa Police Alcohol Harm Prevention Officer, says 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 of liquor licence and manager’s certificate.

"It’s pretty simple when it comes to young people: No ID, no service.

For quite some time now, all regulatory agencies have recommended requiring ID from anybody appearing to be under 25-years-old,” he says.

"No premises made sales which is a great result.

In fact the volunteer commented that in some cases they didn’t make it to the front counter".

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.

ENDS

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