Taranaki Police are disappointed with licensed premises after multiple breaches were seen during a Controlled Purchase Operation.

A Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) checking the sale of alcohol to minors was held on 25 July, with six out of eight premises failing.

Police, Te Whatu Ora, and South Taranaki District Council joined forces to run the operation.

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

South Taranaki Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Andrew Russ says, for this operation two volunteers aged under-18 visited eight premises in the area and attempted to buy alcohol.

"Only two premises requested identification, correctly identify the age of the minor and politely decline the sale.

"To see even one breach is disappointing, but six is so much more concerning."

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.

Enquiries into the operation are continuing and the premises that failed have been spoken to and will be followed up in due course around outcomes.

Taranaki Police will continue to monitor licensed premises and will continue Controlled Purchase Operations in the area.

We will continue to work with our partner agencies to reduce alcohol-related harm in our community, and ensuring alcohol is not being sold to underage people is a crucial component of this.

If you have any concerns about the sale or supply of alcohol to minors in you community, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.

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