Miramar bottle store has license suspended temporarily

A Miramar bottle store has had its off-license suspended for three days, starting today, following a Liquor Licensing Authority decision last month.

During a combined controlled purchase operation (CPO) in May last year with Police, the Wellington City Council Licensing Officer and Regional Public Health, a 16 year old male volunteer was sold a six pack of beer by an employee at the Darlington Bottle Shop.

Wellington Police Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer Sergeant John Lewis says that during May 2011, Police visited the Darlington Bottle Shop on two separate occasions when the duty manager was not physically on the premises. The second occasion was when the beer was sold to the 16 year old.

"The law is very clear - every licensed premises, be it a bottle store, cafe or bar, must have a duty manager present at all times in order for liquor to be sold. This LLA decision is also a timely reminder for all off-license holders to ensure they do not sell to minors.

In the Liquor Licensing Authority's decision, the licensee of the Darlington Bottle Stop also had his General Manager's Certificate suspended for a period of 60 days, beginning today.

Sergeant Lewis says it is extremely important that a certified duty manager is onsite to oversee all sales of liquor, to prevent intoxicated or underage people from being served.

"Police welcome the opportunity to educate off-license duty managers about their responsibilities under the Sale of Liquor Act and encourage anyone requiring further assistance to contact me at the Wellington Central Police Station."