Supermarkets to combat under-age purchasers

Supermarkets join forces to combat under-age purchasers

New Zealand's two major supermarket players are joining forces to make it even harder for under-aged drinkers to purchase alcohol from their stores.

Foodstuffs and Progressive, which between them account for almost all supermarkets in New Zealand, are setting up a working group to establish common guidelines on the enforcement of the Sale of Liquor Act.

Foodstuffs operates the New World, Pak 'N Save and Four Square brands. Progressive owns Foodtown, Countdown and Woolworths.

Foodstuffs (Auckland) Ltd Managing Director Tony Carter says both organisations already have comprehensive systems in place to prevent minors from purchasing alcohol.

"While the supermarkets have generally performed better than other sectors of the retail liquor industry, we believe we can still do better," says Mr Carter.

"By joining forces the supermarket industry is making it quite clear that it is aiming for zero tolerance when it comes to minors purchasing alcohol."

Mark Brosnan, Progressive General Manager, Merchandise, says the supermarkets are very aware of their responsibilities when it comes to the Sale of Liquor Act.

" We're committed to improved compliance with the Act.

"There are definitely strong standards in place with systems and processes at the checkout. The working group will be looking to take it to the next level," says Mr Brosnan.

© Scoop Media