Wellington district underage alcohol sales sting disappoints Police

Two controlled purchase operations carried out across the district recently have disappointed Police, with nine out of 16 premises visited caught selling alcohol to minors.

The operations were conducted jointly by Police, Regional Public Health and District Licensing Inspectors from both Wellington and Hutt City Councils.

Four out of six premises visited in Wainuiomata on Saturday night sold alcohol to a 17 year-old female volunteer, including supermarkets and liquor stores.

In Wellington city on Thursday night, five out of ten premises visited also sold alcohol to a 17 year-old volunteer, including a dairy, a liquor store, central city bars and a suburban tavern.

Alcohol Harm Reduction Sergeant Andrew Smith of Lower Hutt Police says they are extremely disappointed with the results of their Wainuiomata operation.

"Only 20 per cent of those visited, demonstrated they are conscientious about their obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act and serious about protecting our young people from liquor abuse."

Alcohol Harm Reduction Sergeant John Lewis of Wellington Police says those who are licensed to sell liquor in our communities need to ensure they carry out their responsibilities correctly.

"This means challenging anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 years, and asking for photo identification before making a sale. None of the five premises who sold alcohol to our volunteer even bothered to ask for ID or even ask how old the volunteer was."

Some of the breaches identified over the weekend carry fines of up to $10,000. All premises have been referred to the Liquor Licensing Authority.

ENDS

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