Franklin alcohol retailers pass the test

Franklin’s alcohol retailers passed with flying colours earlier this month when a major operation was conducted in the greater Auckland area to check for the selling of alcohol to minors.

 

The Collaborative Liquor Enforcement Group, made up of Police, Ministry of Health officials and Local Authority Liquor Inspectors, used ten volunteers to conduct a controlled purchase operation throughout the greater Auckland area. The operation was aimed at checking that liquor stores were fulfilling their obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act and not selling alcohol to minors.

 

A total of 71 premises were visited in the Auckland region and nine sold alcohol to minors. Seven premises in Franklin were visited, three in Waiuku, two in Tuakau and two in Pukekohe. All seven Franklin premises refused to sell liquor to the underage person who entered the premises.

 

Franklin District Council GM Environment James Jefferson says, “This was an excellent result for Franklin and shows the responsible attitude prevalent here from our retailers. Franklin District Council will continue to support operations like this, which are invaluable for controlling the sale of liquor to minors and are an important enforcement tool. We have more operations planned in the near future, particularly as we lead up to the busy festive season.”

 

Non-complying retailers have been reported to the Liquor Licensing Authority for action to be taken against them. The Authority can take steps such as suspending the retailers liquor licence and placing strict conditions on their licences.