Adults Risk $2000 Fine For Supplying Alcohol To Minors

PRESS RELEASE

JULY 29 2005

Adults who buy alcohol for under 18s are not only grossly irresponsible but also risk prosecution and a fine of up to $2000, says the Alcohol Advisory Council.

ALAC’s comments follow a ‘shoulder tapping’ operation run by the Taranaki District Health Board where two young people, aged 18 and 19, approached strangers and told them they were underage and could not buy alcohol. By the end of the operation, half the customers approached agreed to buy the teens alcohol.

“Adults need to be aware that purchasing alcohol for minors can result in prosecution and a fine of up to $2000,” says ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike MacAvoy.

“Retailers also need to be aware that they can refuse to sell alcohol if they believe it is being bought on behalf of young people.

“What is ironic about this is that the alcohol purchased was apparently in plastic bags urging people to think before they supply alcohol to under 18s.”

ENDS

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