Six out of eight businesses failed an underage booze sting in Taranaki, a result police have called “concerning”.
The operation, which took place on July 25, was aimed at making sure licensed premises were checking the age of patrons before selling them alcohol.
Police, Te Whatu Ora, and South Taranaki District Council teamed up to run the sting.
They used two volunteers under the age of 18 who visited eight businesses in the area and attempted to buy alcohol.
“Only two premises requested identification, correctly identify the age of the minor and politely decline the sale,” Senior Sergeant Andrew Russ said.
Russ said it was “disappointing” to see just one breach, but six failures was “so much more concerning”.
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“Minors are at increased risk of alcohol-related harm and selling alcohol to a minor is a serious offence,” he said.
Selling alcohol to minors could see a business face heavy fines and/or have their liquor licence and manager’s certificate suspended.
The six businesses that failed during the sting have been spoken to, and will be followed up with regarding outcomes.
Russ said the police would continue to monitor licensed premises and execute similar stings.
“We will continue to work with our partner agencies to reduce alcohol-related harm in our community, and ensuring alcohol is not being sold to underage people is a crucial component of this.”
He said if anyone had concerns about the sale or supply of alcohol to minors, they should call police on 105.
