Liquor licences suspended following controlled purchase operation

The Liquor Licensing Authority has ordered the suspension of the liquor licences at two Hastings outlets following recent purchase operations which saw liquor being sold to minors.

Hastings District Council staff combined with Police and the District Health Board to carry out the operations which are aimed at reducing liquor abuse.

Pipi Bar in Havelock North has been ordered to close for three days commencing Wednesday 22nd, August 2012, and the Authority noted that the bar had also failed a similar test in February 2011.The duty manager working during the latest failure has had his Manager’s Certificate suspended.

Havelock North’s Te Mata Four Square’s licence has been suspended for three days from Friday 27th, August 2012, which means that the store can remain open for the sale of any goods except liquor on those days. The duty manager working at the time of the purchase has had her Manager’s Certificate suspended.

Hastings District Council’s Community Safety Manager Philip Evans says “While it’s disappointing that these premises chose to sell liquor to minors, the Controlled Purchase Operation showed that the majority of premises are continuing to meet their obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act. The Council will be continuing these operations and will seek the suspension and cancellation of licences where appropriate.”