Christchurch liquor control agencies have expressed concern over the number of licensed premises that sold alcohol to minors during an operation last weekend.
On Saturday 5 February 2011 Christchurch Police, assisted by Christchurch City Licensing Inspectors and staff from Community & Public Health, carried out controlled purchase operations throughout Christchurch and Banks Peninsula visiting On, Off and Club premises
While 24 premises refused service to the volunteers (aged between 15 and 17 years), five premises sold them liquor.
Of the five premises that sold, two were tavern-style on-licences, one was a bottle store attached to a hotel, one was a convenience store and one was a stand-alone bottle store.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Alistair Humphrey, said the results were particularly disappointing given the recent and frequent publicity regarding youth access to alcohol.
"Nearly a quarter of all deaths in young people in New Zealand are associated with alcohol," he said. "Legislation attempts to protect young people but licensees have to play their part. No doubt the Liquor Licensing Authority will reflect this when these cases are considered.”
Sergeant Al Lawn, Officer in Charge, Police Alcohol Strategy and Enforcement Team said Police were extremely frustrated by the result.
“All the Licensees and Duty Managers involved are well aware of the legislation and the reasons for it. The volunteers used are clearly under 18 years of age, and there is a well-understood industry-led standard that requires anyone looking under 25 years to be checked for ID.”
All the cases will be referred to the District Court and/or Liquor Licensing Authority.
ENDS
Media contact: Stephen Hill, Canterbury Police District Communications Manager, 027 4363701
Joint media statement from Canterbury Police, Community & Public Health (a division of the Canterbury District Health Board) and Christchurch City Council