Four fail Wairarapa alcohol sting

Four licensed Wairarapa premises will face the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.

A 16-year-old volunteer was able to purchase alcohol at four of fourteen businesses visited during a controlled purchase operation by police in Masterton, Featherston, Greytown and Carterton last month.

The four licensed Wairarapa premises will face the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.

They may face fines and could have their licenses temporarily suspended.

Sergeant Shane Benge, of the Police Alcohol Harm Prevention office said the result of the operation was "disappointing".

"Licensed premises have a 'no ID no service' policy for anyone who looks under the age of 25. As our volunteer did not have any identification with them, these sales should not have occurred.

"The businesses caught could have their alcohol licenses and manager's certificates temporarily suspended. We hope this operation reminds licensed premises that controlled purchase operations can take place anytime and anywhere.

"The majority of licensees take their obligations under the Act and host responsibilities seriously."

Senior Sergeant Mike Sutton said "to the best of his knowledge" the four businesses had not been caught before.