North Shore Police concern at use of false identification to enter bars

North Shore Police are reminding people to make safe and legal choices when it comes to visiting licensed premises.

Staff make regular visits to bars and clubs on the North Shore and in the past three months have dealt with 39 minors at licensed premises. Those minors face an instant $200 fine.

Team Policing Sergeant, Alan Johnston says, "Most of the minors are using false identification to enter the bar and so go there knowing they are breaking the law. We ask them to leave for their own safety and that is why the law exists, for the wellbeing and safety of all the public," says Sergeant Johnston.

About eighty percent of those minors used false identification and so face a further fine of up to $2000.

In the past three months police have also had to remove 54 people from licensed premises as they were intoxicated. It is an offence for bar staff to allow a person to become intoxicated and a second offence to allow them to remain on the premises. That is why Police are often seen removing people who may appear to be causing no problem, but are clearly intoxicated.

Police will continue to make unannounced visits to bars and clubs and say they will not tolerate minors and high levels of intoxication.

"We have a role to play in ensuring that licensed premises are run according to the Sale of Liquor Act. People should not be concerned when they see us arrive but rather see our presence as a form of insurance, to prevent problems and to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening," says Sergeant Johnston.

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