ALAC welcomes changes to Sale of Liquor Act

Alcohol Advisory Council Press Release Friday 2 March 2004

ALAC welcomes changes to Sale of Liquor Act

The Alcohol Advisory Council has welcomed legislation confirming the legality of operations using underage teenagers to test liquor licensing laws.

Controlled Purchase Operations (CPOs) are carried out by police and public health officials who send underage volunteers into licensed premises in an attempt to buy alcohol. Doubts were raised last year about the legality of the operations.

Parliament yesterday passed the Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill No 2 that removes any doubt over the legality of the CPOs. The bill now goes to the Governor General for the royal assent before becoming law.

“CPOs are an extremely valuable enforcement tool for ensuing compliance with the Liquor Licensing Act,” says ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike MacAvoy.

“We know that communities throughout the country who are concerned about youth drinking and youth access to alcohol have been keen to use the CPOs, and this legislation gives them the green light.”

ALAC is producing a set of Guidelines for communities who wish to run a CPO. The Guidelines will be available within the next month, says Dr MacAvoy.

Ends

For further information contact ALAC CEO Dr Mike MacAvoy on 04 917 0060.

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