On Thursday the 15th of July 2010 a Tri-Agency Liquor licensing Team comprising Christchurch Council Licensing Inspectors, Community and Public Health Licensing Officers along with Police conducted a Controlled Purchase Operation in the Christchurch area.

This involves the use of under age volunteers, working under the supervision of Police, to test the effectiveness of licensee’s practices. Operations such as this are a particularly useful tool in combating the sale of liquor to minors, something of great concern to the regulatory agencies and general public.

Alcohol contributes to between 50 and 70% of all crime and crashes as well as placing significant pressures on the health service. The control of underage drinking is an important part of reducing the affects of alcohol abuse on society.

The perfect result is for no licensed premise to sell to our underage volunteers. On this occasion unfortunately 6 premises sold out of the 67 premises visited. This is not a good result and reflects poorly on those premises. Of great concern is that the 15 year old volunteers used in the operation were able to purchase alcohol at two on-licence premises.

Acting Sergeant Kerry Lancaster
Alcohol Strategy and Enforcement Team
Ph 03 3780440