Liquor operation shows responsible premises

On Friday 12 November 2010, eight licensed premises in Central Hawke’s Bay were visited in a combined operation by the District Licensing Agency, the District Health Board and the Police.

It is a pleasing result that none of the eight premises sold liquor to the two supervised under aged persons (aged 14 and 17) as part of the Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO).

Sergeant Michael Stevenson who was leading the operation said, "Police were very pleased with this result.  Some of the premises chastised our underage volunteers.”

He said, “It is great to see that not only are the licensed premises acting within the law, but they are also acting with moral conviction in ensuring underage people do not have access to alcohol".  

Three of the premises held off licenses and the other five held special, hotel or tavern style licenses.

This should serve as a reminder to all licensed premises that checking for identification is important.  They should be aware that these operations will continue and there will be no tolerance for any breaches.

Under Section 155 of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, the offences for the sale or supply of liquor to minors are $10,000 for the licensee or Duty Manager, $2,000 for bar staff and the premises liquor licence may be suspended for up to seven days.