17 outlets caught selling kids booze

Photo / Janna Dixon

One in 10 licensed premises sold alcohol to 15-year-olds in a sting in the Auckland City police district.

Three boys and three girls were instructed not to dress to look older or wear make-up when they entered 162 businesses armed with $20 cash and no ID.

Seventeen outlets were busted breaking the law and will be referred to the Liquor Licensing Authority for suspension or cancellation of their licences.

On one occasion, a teenager claimed to have forgotten her identification but was sold alcohol anyway when she offered to pay cash.

Another minor was sold the alcohol with a warning that "police do checks".

"Unfortunately, there are still some outlets out to make a quick buck," said Sergeant Jason Loye, alcohol reduction officer for the Auckland City western area.

He said the teens were allowed to choose their own alcohol and mainly came back with RTDs (ready-to-drink brands), except for one girl who chose a bottle of wine because it "had a pretty label".

"It just shows you what marketing does out there," Mr Loye said.

The outlets targeted over three days ranged from superettes, supermarkets, bottle stores, bars and taverns to Eden Park.

On Saturday night, the All Blacks were not the only winners. Park staff caught two of the 15-year-old police "plants" and circulated their details to other workers at the stadium.

Mr Loye said another four teenagers - not involved in the police operation - were picked up by police at Eden Park.

He applauded the park's action, agreeing that it boded well for the Rugby World Cup.

"Yes, we are going to be ensuring during the World Cup that everyone complies with the law as required, and the stadium is no different from anyone else in that respect."

Mr Loye would not divulge the names of offending outlets but said they ranged from a bar not far from the Viaduct Harbour to others on Auckland City's outskirts.

He was disturbed by the number of on-licences caught and said bottle stores and supermarkets appeared to be getting better at toeing the line. Of the 31 on-licences targeted, eight sold to minors, compared with nine of the 131 off-licences.

Mr Loye said under-age drinkers were getting adept at "sussing out" liquor stores that were easy to buy from and warned outlets to remember their legal obligations.

"They have to ask for identification from people who appear to be under the age of 25 years and operate under a 'No photo ID, no service' rule."

Mr Loye said police ran stings such as last week's throughout the country every few months.

WHERE TEENS SERVED

West: 2 off-licences, 2 on-licences.
East: 5 off-licences.
Central: 2 off-licences, 6 on-licences.