With Christmas parties and the silly season approaching, Auckland Council’s Alcohol Licensing are urging businesses to be vigilant when checking the ages of people buying alcohol.
A recent controlled purchase operation (CPO) resulted in five out of nine on-licensed premises failing in south Auckland.
“Failure to calculate a minor’s correct age meant five out of nine on licensed premises in the Manurewa, Manukau and Flat Bush areas sold alcohol to minors,” Alcohol Licensing south Auckland team leader Anita Marsh says.
“These are extremely disappointing results. Licensees must ensure that they have robust systems in place to mitigate these problems.”
A CPO is conducted at licensed premises to test compliance, with laws against selling alcohol to minors, under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The operations are held on a regular basis and conducted by council's Alcohol Licensing Unit, police and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service.
Earlier this month, 11 off-licensed premises on Waiheke Island were visited, with one business failing to comply.
Checks at 18 central city off-licensed premises two weeks ago resulted in a 100 per cent compliance rate with no sales of alcohol to minors.
Auckland Council’s Alcohol Licensing Manager Peter Knight praises those city centre businesses following the rules but encourages “extra vigilance” at this time of year.
“We don’t want anyone to rest on their laurels. The council will continue to work with the police and the hospitality industry to improve the level of compliance and ensure licence holders and their staff take their responsibilities seriously.
“We are committed to ensuring people are able to enjoy themselves safely while reducing alcohol-related harm in the community.”
A total of nearly 200 checks have been made at both on-and-off license premises during CPOs across Auckland this year – with over 30 breaches of the Act.
Council will now refer the matter to the Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority (ARLA). Penalties could include a temporary closure or prosecution via the ARLA.
ARLA decisions are available to view at nzlii.org
