Controlled Purchase Operation achieves a top result
25 April 2012
Controlled Purchase Operation achieves a top result
NZ Police and the Northland District Health Board are delighted with the results of a liquor licence controlled purchase operation, conducted in the greater Whangarei region.
A recent controlled purchase operation conducted in the Bream Bay, Hikurangi and greater Whangarei areas, resulted in no sales to the underage minors (youth under 18 years).
The operation, conducted by the Whangarei Alcohol Monitoring Group (WAMG) recently tested the compliance of 30 off-licensed premises in the greater Whangarei region for selling alcohol to minors under the supervision of NZ Police.
Senior Sergeant Howard Clement, Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer, Whangarei Police says the result was outstanding.
“This is the second consecutive Controlled Purchase Operation conducted in the area resulting in no sales. It would seem we can have the confidence in our outlets that they are unlikely to sell alcohol to our youth. This is a brilliant result” says Howard.
Inspector Paul Dimery said, “The outcome of this operation is very encouraging and our off-licensed premises should be congratulated. It would appear that the off-licensed premises that were tested are remaining vigilant with assessing the age of young people by insisting on a form of photo identification from anyone who looks under the age of 25”, says Inspector Dimery.
Controlled Purchase Operations are part of an ongoing programme to assess compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act to ensure young people under the age of 18 are not supplied with alcohol.
Operation statistics:
CPO
Off licensed premises: 30 premises resulted in nil sales
An Off-Licence Premises such as Bottle Stores, Taverns, Hotels and Supermarkets allow the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.
Whangarei Alcohol Monitoring Group (WAMG) - Staff from the Northland District Health Board Public Health Unit, NZ Police and Whangarei District Council and NZ Fire Service are tasked with monitoring and enforcing the requirements under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
ENDS