Liquor outlets face sanctions over sales to minors

Four licensed premises in Christchurch may face prosecution after selling alcohol to under-aged volunteers.

The premises were identified during a controlled purchase operation carried out at the weekend by the combined Liquor Enforcement Group, which includes Police, the District Health Board and the District Licensing Agency.

Two under-aged volunteers visited a number of licensed premises around Christchurch between 5pm and 11pm on Saturday night, attempting to purchase alcohol.

Senior Sergeant Gordon Spite, Alcohol Harm Reduction Manager with Canterbury police, says a total of 14 on-licence and off-licence premises were visited.

"While the majority of the premises complied with their legal responsibilities, four premises sold alcohol to the minors.

"All four were on-license premises -- two in the north-west of the city and two on the outskirts of the central city.

"It's extremely disappointing that more than a quarter of the premises failed to comply with the law by selling alcohol to a minor.

"We would remind the hospitality industry of their own message - if a person looks under 25, then they should be asked for ID."

Senior Sergeant Spite says the premises that breached their legal obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 will be put before the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority and may be prosecuted.

"We will continue to carry out further controlled purchase operations on a regular basis. We expect licensed premises to be vigilant about meeting their responsibilities to the community, and we hope standards of compliance will improve."

ENDS