Disappointing controlled purchase operation finds Wellington city bars and liquor outlets selling to minor

A joint controlled purchase operation (CPO) in Wellington's central city last night has disappointed Police.

A total of 11 on and off-licence premises were visited over a three hour period, with four out of eight city bars visited selling alcohol to an underage volunteer, without asking for photo identification or asking the volunteer's age.

Three liquor stores in the central city were also visited with one selling to the underage volunteer.

Alcohol Harm Reduction Sergeant John Lewis of Wellington Police says action will be taken against those found to have sold to the minor. These consequences include criminal prosecution for the individual sellers, suspension of Manager Certificates for the Managers who were on duty at the time and suspensions of liquor licences.

He says similar CPOs recently have resulted in some premises' losing their liquor licences for between 24 and 72 hours, which is seen as a significant financial penalty in terms of potential loss of income.

"Police are one again asking those who are licensed to sell liquor in our community to ensure they carry out their responsibilities correctly. This means challenging anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 years and requiring photo ID before making a sale."