Latest Wellington/Hutt Valley Controlled Purchase Operation an improvement [

A joint controlled purchase operation at the weekend by Police, Regional Public Health and the District Licensing Authority saw 28 liquor outlets in Wellington and 30 outlets in the Hutt Valley visited to check compliance around the Sale of Liquor Act.

These outlets included bottle stores, supermarkets, as well as taverns and bars.

Wellington Police Alcohol Harm Reduction Sergeant John Lewis says overall, the results were an improvement on recent operations which had resulted in sales of alcohol being made to minors from 40 - 50 per cent of the premises visited.

"Only six premises in total sold alcohol to the volunteer minors in the weekend operation. These six included a major supermarket, city bars and a suburban bottle store."

The minors involved were aged between 16 and 17 years and when challenged, produced their own driver's licences which served as a reasonable test of compliance for the liquor outlet concerned.

Sergeant Lewis says the offending premises will all face suspensions on their liquor licences in the New Year, which is expected to translate into a significant loss of income for the licensee's concerned.

"Police were encouraged that most licensed premises were demonstrating sound practises of asking for and checking the three acceptable forms of photo identification required for anyone who appears to be under the age of 25, namely a NZ Driver's Licence, Hanz 18+ card or passport."

The availability of alcohol to minors is seen as a continued risk factor for the community over the coming summer period and Police urge liquor retailers and bars to be vigilant in who they chose to sell alcohol to.

"Those who are licensed to sell liquor in our community must ensure they carry out their responsibilities correctly by challenging anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 years and requiring photo ID before making a sale."