Half of Whangārei bars in under-aged booze sting sell to teenager

Half the Whangarei bars in an alcohol sales sting sold booze to a teenager.

Two of four bars in central Whangārei were caught red-handed in a police sting aimed at catching licensed premises selling alcohol to under-aged buyers.

Police are disappointed with the actions of those two premises following a recent Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO).

For the operation, a minor under the age of 18 years visited premises and attempted to purchase alcohol.

Only two requested identification and, not satisfied with the lack of proof of identity and age, politely declined the sale.

Disappointingly, half did sell alcohol to the minor, Sergeant Tai Patrick said.

"It is a privilege, not a right, that licensees and duty managers are granted the ability to sell alcohol and we expect them to take their responsibilities around the sale of alcohol extremely seriously,'' Patrick said.

"To sell to minors who are carrying, and on request presenting, legitimate identification showing they are under the legal purchase age is unacceptable.''

Police will be applying to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) for orders in relation to each sale to the minor during the CPO.

The operation was conducted by Northland Police Alcohol Harm Prevention Officers, the Whangārei District Council and Northland District Health.

The consequences when the licensees are reported to the authorities are major and can result in their licence to sell alcohol being suspended for several days, large fines and even the licence being cancelled.