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A controlled purchase operation has been hailed as a success after no alcohol was sold to the two participating volunteers, aged 15 and 16.
The purchase operation was run by Wairarapa Police, Carterton District Council, South Wairarapa District Council and Regional Public Health on the night of Friday, June 22.
The two young volunteers visited multiple premises including bars, and bottle stores in Carterton and South Wairarapa.
Their mission was to test the systems the premises have in place to ensure alcohol isn’t sold to minors.
Sergeant Kevin Basher, Wairarapa Police Alcohol Harm Prevention Officer, said of the premises visited, no one made a sale, which was a great result.
The volunteers said that in several cases, they did not even make it to the counter.
“It’s pretty simple when it comes to young people, no ID, no service,” Basher said.
“For quite some time now, all the enforcement agencies have recommended requiring ID from anybody appearing to be under 25 years of age.”
The combined enforcement agencies’ approach regarding education work with licensed premises will continue to maintain the positive work.
Basher reminded all licensed premises that Controlled Purchase Operations were an effective tool to test compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, and can take place “any time, anywhere”.
