Alcohol sting: South Waikato stores face licence risks after selling to underage teen

Police are “genuinely shocked” by the “staggeringly poor” result of an underage alcohol sting which caught eight out of 11 South Waikato stores selling to a minor.

A Controlled Purchase Operation was run in Tokoroa and Putāruru on August 2, when an underage volunteer tried to buy alcohol from a range of on and off-licensed premises.

Police described the results as “staggeringly poor”.

Taupō alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Greg Weston said eight out of 11 premises failed to check the volunteer’s ID.

“I’m extremely disappointed with the level of non-compliance, and genuinely shocked,” Weston said.

“During the last operation held in this area, only one premises failed.

“There is absolutely no excuse for outlets not to have good systems and processes for checking IDs, especially when they are operating in vulnerable communities.

“The messaging is very clear – no ID, no service."

Weston said police knew the impact of alcohol-related harm in the communities, and ensuring alcohol was not being sold to underage people was a key part of reducing harm.

“The premises that failed this CPO have been spoken to and will learn of the outcomes in due course.”

Weston said premises that were found to be providing alcohol to minors could expect serious consequences, including the potential suspension or cancellation of their liquor licence.

Duty managers could also have their licence suspended or cancelled.

“Working with our partner agencies to reduce alcohol-related harm in our community, and ensuring alcohol is not being sold to underage people, is a crucial component of keeping our community safe,” Weston said.

The operation was jointly run by Bay of Plenty Police, South Waikato District Council and the National Public Health Service.

Concerns about the sale or supply of alcohol to minors in your community?

Contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.