Five Wellington businesses will be appearing before the Liquor Licensing Authority after selling alcohol to minors in a 'sting' or controlled purchase operation.
Sergeant Grant Verner, Wellington Police liquor licensing officer, says the businesses - three grocery stores, and two bottle stores - could have their liquor licenses and/or manager's certificates temporarily suspended because of the sales.
The joint Wellington Police and District Licensing Agency (Wellington City Council) operation was run early last Friday night. It was the fourth operation of its type since 2002.
Two young volunteers aged 15 and 16 years visited a total of 14 premises. These included bottle stores, grocery stores and a supermarket in the Wellington District Licensing Agency area; from the southern and eastern coast through to Tawa. Their mission was to test the systems stores have in place to ensure alcohol isn't sold to minors.
"As our volunteers did not have any Identification with them, these sales should not have taken place," Sergeant Verner says.
"It's pretty simple when it comes to selling alcohol to young people. No ID, no service is the line to take. For some time now, all the enforcement agencies have recommended requiring ID from anybody appearing to be under 25 years of age.
"The operation was an enforcement and education opportunity. We were able to provide some advice on signage, discuss issues and, for those that didn't make sales, they'll be getting a follow-up letter encouraging them to keep up the good work.
"Alcohol and young people can be a dangerous mix. We hope the operation sends a signal to licensed premises that they need to be on top of their game and not sell to minors. Controlled Purchase Operations can take place Anytime, Anywhere."