22 November 2004
Outlets Sold Alcohol To Minors
The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) says it is extremely disappointed that half of 20 Nelson premises targeted by police
sold alcohol to minors.
Police ran a Controlled Purchase Operation earlier this month with two 17-year-old volunteers attempting to purchase
alcohol. Of the 20 bottle stores, supermarkets and taverns visited, eight places in Richmond and Motueka and two in
Nelson allowed youths to buy alcohol.
“CPOs are part of the enforcement of the Sale of Liquor Act and a necessary part of changing the drinking culture,”
says ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike MacAvoy.
“Sellers need to understand that the law is to be taken seriously and they will not get away with breaking the law and
selling alcohol to underage purchasers.”
Dr MacAvoy says ALAC coordinated the development of the guidelines for CPOs that can be used by District Licensing
Agencies and Public Health Groups under Police supervision.
“CPOs are an extremely valuable tool to ensure liquor outlets are abiding by the law and not selling alcohol to those
under 18-years-old.”
ENDS