Bottle Store Closed Three Days After Selling to Minor

A Hastings bottlestore will not be able to sell alcohol for three days after being caught selling to an underage purchaser late last year.

The Liquor Licensing Authority has suspended the off-licence of the Angus Hotel bottle store from 9.00 am on Saturday 27 March 2010 until 9.00 am on Tuesday 30 March 2010.

This suspension is the result of a combined operation by Police, Hastings District Council, and Hawke’s Bay District Health Board in October 2009 when thirteen premises were visited.

Hastings District Councillor and Development and Environment Committee chair, Norman Speers says

“Hastings, like many other centres, has a problem with young people drinking excessively.

“Local liquor retailers need to understand the consequences of selling to underage drinkers can be tragic and the ramifications for their business are serious.”

“Council, in partnership with Police and the District Health Board, will continue to seek prosecutions of this degree if bottle stores continue to sell to minors,” Councillor Speers says.

The manager on duty at the time of the sale has had his General Manager’s Certificate suspended for two weeks.

ENDS

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