Three Auckland bottle stores have failed a recent controlled purchase operation, with staff selling alcohol to a minor.
Fifteen off-license premises in the North Shore were visited this month in a joint operation between Auckland Council's Alcohol Licensing Unit and Auckland Police.
Council's Alcohol Licensing team leader Bryce Law says the result is “disappointing”.
“Two Auckland Council alcohol licensing inspectors, a police officer and a 16-year-old minor took part in the controlled purchase operation on the North Shore,” he says.
“They visited 15 off-license premises, where the minor entered the premises to purchase alcohol. Three of the premises sold to the minor. It’s a disappointing result.”
Controlled purchase operations are conducted to test compliance under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Two of the bottle stores were in Birkenhead and the other was in Takapuna.
“Controlled purchase operations are carried out throughout the year (in all areas) to test the compliance of licensed premises,” Mr Law says.
“A successful controlled purchase operation is one where the minor fails to buy alcohol at all the premises visited.”
Last month, two bottle stores in Glen Innes and one in Newmarket failed a council led controlled purchase operation, with staff selling to a 15-year-old.
The council will now refer the matter to the Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority (ARLA) where penalties could lead to a temporary closure or prosecution.
