Police warn alcohol licensees to check ID after teenagers sold drinks

Police are warning alcohol licensed premises to always check customers' ID after teenagers were sold alcohol. Photo / File

Teenagers were able to illegally buy alcoholic drinks in a police operation in Manawatu last week.

Police are again calling on stores licensed to sell alcohol to always check customers' ID afterthree out of 27 premises failed the test and sold alcohol to either a 16-year-old or 17-year-old volunteer recruited by police.

The operation involved a range of licensed premises including bottle stores, restaurants and bars and supermarkets.

Manawatu alcohol harm prevention officer, Sergeant Brendon Gerrish, said authorities were pleased that most stores checked for a customer's ID to verify their age.

"However, it is disappointing for three premises to have failed, as no one under the legal age of 18 should be able to purchase alcohol,'' he said.

"Enquiries are still ongoing in relation to this operation, which will help determine any action taken as a result.''

The police regularly carry out controlled operations to ensure compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

The operations helped to prevent the selling of alcohol to young people.

Gerrish warned that police would continue their tests regularly and therefore urged all licensed premises to be vigilant when selling drinks, particularly to customers who looked young.

"We will continue to conduct these operations on a regular basis and we would like to remind those in the hospitality industry that if a person looks under 25, then please make sure that you ask them for ID.''