2 December 2004

Prosecute Says ALAC

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is urging police to prosecute liquor outlets caught selling alcohol to minors.

"It is only prosecutions and the harshest penalties possible that will stop sellers breaking this most important law, a law in place to protect our young people," says ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike MacAvoy.

“Controlled purchase operations (CPOs) are part of the enforcement of the Sale of Liquor Act and a necessary part of changing the drinking culture.

“Sellers need to understand that the law is to be taken seriously and they will not get away with breaking it and selling alcohol to underage purchasers.

Dr MacAvoy’s comments follow a CPO exercise in the Timaru and Waimate districts where 10 liquor outlets sold alcohol to underage teenagers.

This follows a similar CPO in Nelson, which saw 10 businesses caught selling alcohol to minors.

Dr MacAvoy says the Police are to be congratulated for taking the role of alcohol and harm seriously.
“They now need to back up their action with prosecutions to ensure those outlets that break the law receive
appropriate penalties to deter them and others from selling alcohol to our young people.

“What could possibly be the reason why the Police wouldn’t prosecute these obvious breaches of the law?”

ENDS

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