Disappointing results in combined Otaki/Kapiti controlled purchase operation

Police are disappointed with the results of a combined controlled purchase operation (CPO) over the weekend, where more than half of the premises visited in Kapiti and Otaki sold alcohol to minors.

The CPO was run jointly by the Kapiti Coast District Council, Regional Public Health and Police from Kapiti and Otaki on Saturday night.

Sergeant Jacquie Muir of Kapiti Police says eight off-licenses and two on-licenses were visited during the operation, with six premises selling alcohol to two volunteers, aged 16 and 17 years.

"One superette sold alcohol twice to the volunteers during the operation. The staff member at this superette was only 15 years of age. If duty managers and licensees are expecting staff of that age to make critical decisions, then more support should be provided for them. This is a really disappointing result."

Sergeant Muir says Police are now considering laying charges against the adult staff members who sold to the minors, while the duty managers and licensees will appear before the Liquor Licensing Authority.

"The law is very simple - no identification, no sale. Police would like to think duty managers and licensees will take more responsibility in the future to ensure they are adhering to the law and actively contributing to reducing the harm caused by alcohol in our communities, particularly when it comes to our young people."

Kapiti Coast District Council, Regional Public Health and Police work very closely together, regularly conducting CPOs within the Kapiti and Otaki areas and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months.