Top bar caught in sting

One of the coolest nightspots on Auckland's Ponsonby Rd, The Whiskey, has been ordered to close for 24 hours after being caught in a police underage drinking sting.

Two female police volunteers, one aged 17 years and seven months and the other 16 years and seven months, entered the bar on April 22 and were served gin and tonics.

The teens carried no identification and were not asked their age.

The Liquor Licensing Authority ordered the bar to close for 24 hours from 5pm on Saturday, October 7, after the owners did not dispute the offence.

The Whiskey was one of nine premises caught in the police sting at 26 bars, restaurants, supermarkets and bottle stores.

Senior Constable Jason Loye, of the Avondale police, said the 24-hour suspension was the standard penalty for selling alcohol to minors. It was the first such offence for The Whiskey since it opened in 2001.

Mr Loye said the penalty was a warning to licensed premises not to sell alcohol to minors or intoxicated people.