Disappointing Results of a C.P.O

A Controlled Purchase Operation that was run last weekend in the Auckland City West Bars and Taverns showed that minors could obtain alcohol with relative ease. Identification was not being asked for.

This operation covered the area from (and including) Ponsonby, Arch Hill, Kingsland, Mt Eden, Three Kings west to Avondale and the Auckland City Border.

Alcohol features in more than half of all Police business from minor to major crimes. Research shows about two thirds of minors get alcohol through older family members. Only Parents and Legal Guardians can provide a minor with alcohol, others face prosecution.

On Friday the 21st April 2006, a total of 11 premises were visited. This consisted of eight On-Licensed premises (Bars and Taverns) and three Off-Licensed premises. Sales without identification were made at four of the On-Licensed premises and two of the Off-Licensed premises.

On Saturday the 22nd April 2006, a total of 15 premises were visited. This consisted of ten On-Licensed premises (Bars and Taverns) and five Off-Licensed premises. Sales without identification were made at two of the On-Licensed premises and one of the Off-Licensed premises.

Bars and Taverns that had security at the door restricted entry to minors without identification, and thereby prevented a breach of selling liquor to a minor, but also of allowing a minor onto a designated premises.

Premises that do not employ security need to be more vigilant in asking for identification at the point of sale.

Off-Licensed premises need to also ensure that staff that are permitted to conduct a sale are adequately trained and are mature enough to be able to refuse service where appropriate. Larger premises should have processes in place prohibiting junior staff from conducting a sale without Duty Managers authorising the sale.

This result is very disappointing considering all the advertising and training that is available and directed at bar staff and Managers.

Recent changes to the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, make a Duty Manager responsible for the compliance with and enforcement of the provisions of the Act; the conditions of the licence in force in respect of the premises; and the conduct of the premises with the aim of contributing to the reduction of liquor abuse.

Duty Managers, and Licensees, need to ensure that this is happening because any breach puts their livelihood, and the license of the premise, at serious risk.

The above detected breaches will be presented to the Liquor Licensing Authority, with a request for suspensions of the License and Managers Certificates involved.

This result basically ensures that testing of Bars, Taverns and Off-Licensed premises will continue in the future.

ENDS

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