Joint controlled purchase operation in city sees alcohol sold to minors

A joint controlled purchase operation in Wellington this week has seen five liquor outlets sell alcohol to minors.

Wellington Police Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer Sergeant John Lewis says as part of the joint Police, Regional Public Health and District Licensing Agency CPO on Wednesday evening, a total of 12 liquor outlets were visited, with five failing to comply with the Sale of Liquor Act.

"One 17 year old volunteer had no trouble buying boxes of beer from two city bottle stores without being asked for any form of identification, while a second 17 year old volunteer was able to buy alcohol from a third bottle store and two small grocery shops by presenting his own driver's licence which wasn't correctly checked."

Sergeant Lewis says those working at liquor outlets and selling to young people, along with the duty managers that oversee those sales, need to take more care by asking for correct forms of identification and then ensuring that the ID satisfies them that the person is indeed 18 years or older.

Wellington city has approximately 140 off-license premises where people can purchase liquor to take away.

"We hope those other 130 off-license premises who weren't visited on Wednesday, do take note of the seven premises that correctly refused service to the two minors that assisted in the operation. They showed a competent level of compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act which I'm sure is appreciated by the community."

Sergeant Lewis says, "Those working in off-license premises need to ensure they ask for and carefully check ID from people who appear to under the age of 25 as the consequences are significant."