LIQUOR LICENCE SUSPENDED

Senior Constable Loye applied for the suspension of an off-licence in respect of premises at Unit F, 1104-1118 Great North Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland, known as "Super Liquor Pt Chevalier", and for the suspension of a General Manger's Certificate held by Ravinder Kumar Arora.

The operation of the premises have been conducted in breach of the provisions of the Act, and the manager had failed to conduct the premises in a proper manner.

On the 15 September 2005, three local college students, two of whom were aged 17 years, and one aged 16, entered the licensed premises and purchased liquor. The students were in mufti at the time. Two sales were made, and although it is alleged that the customers were asked for some acceptable form of identification to establish their age, the Duty Manager did not pursue the matter when told that no suitable means of identification was available.

The unlawful sales subsequently attracted the attention of the authorities at the students' school, who advised their parents. The parents, in their turn, notified the Police.

The allegations were not disputed. The Police recommended that the off-licence and the manager's certificate should be suspended for periods which they consider appropriate to the nature of the offences. The respondents accepted this recommendation.

The following orders were made by the Liquor Licensing Authority in relation to the application –
(a) Off-licence number 007/OFF/180/2004, is suspended for two days from 9.00 am on Wednesday 16 November 2005 until 9,00 am of Friday 18 November 2005.
(b) General Manager's Certificate number GM/007/304/05, issued to Ravinder Kumar Arora, is suspended for 14 days from Monday 21 November 2005,

The Police are happy with this result as it reinforces the need for liquor retailers to ensure that their customers are of the correct age to purchase alcohol. It is not sufficient to just ask their age, they have to go further to sight, and confirm, details on acceptable forms of ID (Passport / Drivers Licence or 18+ ID Card).

Further prosecutions will be taken to the Authority, where there is sufficient evidence to prove that suitable ID’ing practices are not in place. If parents, or school staff, believe that premises are still selling to minors, they should approach there local Liquor Licensing Officers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media