No Sales in Controlled Purchase Operation

No Sales in Controlled Purchase Operation

A Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) was carried out by Northland Police and Northland District Health Board recently. The operation audited 16 Off-licensed premises in the Mid North and Bay of Islands area.

The operation involved under 18 year olds attempting to purchase alcohol from licensed premises. This operation is part of an ongoing programme to assess compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 in an effort to address minors accessing alcohol.

Attempts were made at licensed premises in the Kaikohe, Okaihau, Moerewa, Kawakawa, Opua and Paihia areas. The operation resulted in no sales to the underage personnel.

Senior Constable Graeme Wright Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer for the Mid and Far North was very encouraged with the result of the operation.

“This is the fourth consecutive operation this year with no sales to minors. It is a very positive result for our region. We are very pleased to find that licensed premises are checking for identification”, said Senior Constable Graeme Wright, Kerikeri Police.

Senior Constable Graeme Wright, Kerikeri Police said, “Our licensed premises need to be acknowledged for their vigilance and having good training systems in place to prevent sales to young people. This result shows our licensed premises are responsible holders of a liquor licence and protecting our young people in the communities they operate in”.

However, we still hear about young people accessing alcohol and the issues this causes. It is timely that we remind the public that it is also illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age unless:

• The person supplying the alcohol is the parent or legal guardian and the alcohol is supplied in a responsible manner.
• The person supplying alcohol has the express consent of the parent or legal guardian and the alcohol is supplied in a “responsible manner”.
• Express consent cannot be given for consumption of alcohol in a public place.
• Notes from parents are not acceptable in public places.
• Any youth under the age of 18 drinking alcohol in a public place must have their parents/legal guardians with them.

A “responsible manner” means that there is close supervision, the provision of food and a choice of low-alcohol and/or non-alcoholic drinks and safe transport options are in place.

Recent Controlled Purchase Operation Statistics:

Nov 14 Mid North 13 Attempts – No Sales
Dec 14 Mid North 11 Attempts – 2 Sales
Feb 15 Mid North 14 Attempts – No Sales
Apr 15 Hokianga/Mid North 10 Attempts – No Sales
Jun 15 Far North 10 Attempts – No Sales

ENDS

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