Operation resulted in no sales to the underage personnel

Media Statement

Date: 22 June 2015

Subject: Operation resulted in no sales to the underage personnel

Two Controlled Purchase Operations (CPO’s) were conducted by Northland Police and Northland District Health Board recently. The operations audited 10 licensed premises in the Far North and 20 licensed premises in the greater Whangarei area.

The operations involved under 18 year olds attempting to purchase alcohol from licensed premises. These operations are part of an ongoing programme to assess compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 in an effort to address minors accessing alcohol.

The operation resulted in no sales to the underage personnel.

Both Senior Constable Graeme Wright Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer for the Mid and Far North and Sergeant Howard Clement Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer for Whangarei were very encouraged with the result of both operations.

“These are very positive results for our region. We are very pleased to find that licensed premises are checking for identification”, said Sergeant Howard Clement Whangarei Police.

Senior Constable Graeme Wright, Kerikeri Police said, “Our licensed premises need to be acknowledged for their vigilance and having good training systems in place to prevent sales to young people. This result shows our licensed premises are responsible holders of a liquor licence and protecting our young people in the communities they operate in”.

However, we still hear about young people accessing alcohol and the issues this causes. It is timely that we remind the public that it is also illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age unless:

• The person supplying the alcohol is the parent or legal guardian and the alcohol is supplied in a responsible manner

• The person supplying alcohol has the express consent of the parent or legal guardian and the alcohol is supplied in a “responsible manner”.

A “responsible manner” means that there is close supervision, the provision of food and a choice of low-alcohol and/or non-alcoholic drinks and safe transport options are in place.

Recent Controlled Purchase Operation Statistics:

Nov 14 Mid North 13 Attempts – No Sales

Dec 14 Whangarei 16 Attempts – No Sales

Dec 14 Mid North 11 Attempts – 2 Sales

Feb 15 Whangarei 20 Attempts – 3 Sales

Feb 15 Mid North 14 Attempts – No Sales

Apr 15 Far North 10 Attempts – No Sales

-Ends-

© Scoop Media