"We care very much about our Tikipunga customers and on this occasion not all of our processes were followed. We have a strong record here with comprehensive staff training in place, which we've taken the opportunity to reiterate with our team."
All checkout staff and supervisors are trained in the store's alcohol policies and the laws relating to the responsible sale of alcohol, a national Countdown spokesperson said. Countdown would not say how much the ban would cost in terms of lost sales.
"There is a limited window in which to observe each customer in a supermarket environment and there are a number of things our team are trained to look for. We are absolutely committed to training our team to do the very best we can every time and meet our obligations under the law," the spokesman said.
Mr Clement was pleased with the ARLA ruling - which he described as an "expected result" - and the fact the incident was reported by a member of the public.
"They did the right thing and have to be commended for it."
The ban comes hot on the heels of a High Court decision prohibiting Countdown Takapuna in Auckland from selling alcohol for a week, after the supermarket sold beer in August 2012 to a man so drunk he could barely stand up.
