Inner Wellington bottlestore City Stop Manners Street Limited has had its Off-Licence suspended for four weeks as a result of selling alcohol to a minor.
Their Off-Licence has been suspended from 7am, yesterday, 24 September to 7am, 22 October.
Sergeant Caroline Marner, Wellington Police Liquor Licensing Unit, said the action stems from a joint Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) run by police and the District Licensing Agency (Wellington City Council) on Friday, 11 May this year.
Two volunteers, who were under the drinking age, visited 12 premises, including City Stop Manners Street, to see if they could buy alcohol.
"City Stop was visited by a 14-year-old volunteer who selected a six pack of beer and was then able to buy it," Sergeant Marner said. "Although the seller asked for ID, none was offered and the correct process not followed through.
"The minor looked 14 years and should not have been sold the beer. No ID, no sale is the message.
"It's disheartening to see that such a young kid can get liquor so easily from a certified and so called responsible liquor outlet, especially given the outlet's recent comments on the sale of party pills."
Sergeant Marner hopes the suspension will send a clear message that police and partner agencies will continue to use CPOs to test compliance in all licensed premises, including on and off licenses.
"Sales to minors will result cases being referred to the Liquor Licensing Authority for determination," she said.
Ends
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Wellilngton Police District communications manager
Tel: 04 496 3464 or 0274 373 020