Liquor Outlets Pass Underage Drinker Test

Liquor Outlets Pass Underage Drinker Test

On Saturday 14 May 2010, 10 licensed premises in Central Hawke’s Bay were visited in a combined operation by the District Licensing Agency, the District Health Board and the Police. This follows a similar operation in May 2009 when two out of six premises sold to minors.

It is a pleasing result that none of the 10 premises sold liquor to the two supervised under aged persons (aged 16 and 17) as part of the Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO).

Sergeant Michael Stevenson who was leading the operation said, "Controlled Purchase Operations are one of the means we have in place to check and ensure compliance with the law, and a responsible attitude by those selling liquor".

He said, "It is pleasing that none of the licensed premises we visited sold alcohol to minors. It shows that they are acting responsibly in making sure underage people don't get access to alcohol. I congratulate them on their responsible behaviour".

Three of the premises held off licenses and the other nine held hotel, tavern or club style licenses.

All premises visited will be written to and informed of their result. This should serve as a reminder to all licensed premises that checking for identification is important. They should be aware that these operations will continue and there will be no tolerance for any breaches.

Under Section 155 of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, the offences for the sale or supply of liquor to minors are $10,000 for the licensee or Duty Manager, $2,000 for bar staff and the premises liquor licence may be suspended for up to seven days.

ENDS

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