Under-age sales in alcohol 'sting' operation

Three Wellington businesses will be appearing before the Liquor Licensing Authority after selling alcohol to minors in a controlled purchase operation.

Sergeant Jason Thurston, Wellington Police liquor licensing officer, says, "The businesses were two small grocery stores and one bottle store. All could have their liquor licenses and or managers certificates temporarily suspended because of the sales."

The joint operation between Wellington Police, District Licensing Agency (Wellington City Council) and regional Public Health was run last Wednesday night. It was the second 'sting' operation of this type in the past three months.

One young volunteer aged 16 years visited a total of six premises. These included bottle stores and grocery stores in the Wellington District Licensing Agency area from the southern and eastern coast through to Tawa. Their mission was to test the systems that stores have in place to ensure alcohol isn't sold to minors.

"As our volunteer did not have any identification with them, these sales should not have taken place."

"It's pretty simple when it comes to young people - NO ID, NO SERVICE. For quite some time now, all the enforcement agencies have recommended requiring ID from anybody appearing to be under 25 years of age."

"The operation was an enforcement and education opportunity. We were able to provide some advice on signage, discuss issues and, for those that didn't make sales, they'll be getting a follow-up letter encouraging them to keep up the good work.

"Alcohol and young people can be a dangerous mix. We hope the operation sends a signal to licensed premises that they need to be on top of their game and refuse sales to minors. Controlled purchase operations can take place Anytime, Anywhere."