Outlets caught selling liquor to 17-year-old

Four licensed premises in the Hawke's Bay allegedly sold liquor to a 17-year-old in a police sting last night.

Sergeant Mike Stevenson said the teenager tried to buy alcohol from 11 premises and four were happy to sell to do so, despite people needing to be at least 18 to buy liquor.

"Action will occur with all of the licensed premises who sold to the 17-year-old," Mr Stevenson said.

"If staff simply adhered to the practice of asking for identification if someone looks under 25, we would not be in this position."

Further such stings would be conducted, he warned.

- NZPA