Wellington Grocery Store Sells Alcohol to Minor

A central city grocery store has been referred to the Liquor Licensing Authority for further action, after it sold alcohol to a minor last night.

Sergeant Jason Thurston says a controlled purchase operation was run last night by Wellington Police, Wellington City Council's District Licensing Agency and Regional Public Health.

"During the operation, we visited a total of 11 off-licence premises in and around the city, using a 17 year old volunteer."

Sergeant Thurston says given the volunteer was not carrying identification on her, this sale should not have taken place.

"While last night's result was better than a similar operation last month where two retail outlets were nabbed, it is still one too many. It's disappointing that despite the amount of education we provide to retailers, alcohol sales to minors continue to occur."

Jason Thurston warns that controlled purchase operations will continue to take place around the city anytime, anywhere.