Pleasing results in Joint Alcohol Operation
17 December 2014Police and Waipa Licensing Inspectors visited 20 off license premises in the District on Friday 12 December in an operation to monitor the availability of alcohol to minors.
Eight premises in Te Awamutu, two in Kihikihi and ten in Cambridge were tested in the controlled purchase operation which saw minors attempt to purchase alcohol under Police direction.
The minors were unsuccessful in purchasing at any of the premises visited, and most asked the minors for identification.
Licensing Inspector Lindsay Norris was happy with the results of the operation.
This is very encouraging and indicates a good level of compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act by those premises Mr Norris said.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act came in to force in December last year, with the aim of reducing alcohol related harm. It also introduced a range of new restrictions on licensed premises and toughened penalties.
The operation followed on from evening inspections of more than a dozen licensed premises in the Waipa District by Licensing Inspectors in November. Of the 12 premises, no significant offences were identified.
For Mr Norris, the aim now is to keep up this high level of compliance.
These kind of operations will continue and it is important that all of our premises keep up the great work. Especially as we come in to the busy holiday season, we ask that our off licensees to take extra care and check that those people they are serving are over the age of 18 years.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Communications Manager Natalie Palmer on 07 872 0096.