Auckland Council is holding regular controlled purchase operations across the region as part of continuing efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Coordinated by Auckland Council’s Alcohol Licensing Unit, Police and Auckland Regional Public Health Service, a controlled purchase operation is conducted at licensed premises to test compliance with laws against selling alcohol to minors under the Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Last week, a total of 96 off licensed premises in south Auckland were visited. Four bottle stores workers breached the Act, selling alcohol to minors.
Auckland Council’s Team Leader Alcohol Licensing (South & Street Trading) Anita Marsh says it was a large operation covering the areas from Epsom, Panmure, Mount Wellington down to as far as Waiuku.
“It was good there were only four failures, but it wasn’t perfect,” she says.
“While we would have liked to see a 100 per cent compliance rate it was pleasing to see nearly all staff were asking for, and checking, identification.”
Anita says last week’s operation was possible due to positive collaboration.
“The operation showcases the collaboration between Auckland agencies and the commitment to reducing alcohol-related harm across Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The council will now refer the matters to the Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority where penalties can include temporary closures.
There have been nearly 300 checks at both on-and-off licensed premises this year – with 34 breaches of the Act.
ARLA decisions are available to view at nzlii.org
