The Council is pleased with the results of its latest controlled purchase operation, with all tested establishments passing the compliance check.
On Friday 9 October, a controlled purchase operation was carried out by Police and Council to check that licensed premises, such as bars, restaurants and bottle stores are complying with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
During the operation, underage volunteers visited 23 licensed premises and attempted to purchase alcohol. In every case, the sale was refused.
Council’s Environmental Health Team Leader Rob Turner says the result reflects the high standard of responsibility shown by Waimakariri’s licensed premises.
“There was a high standard of age verification observed at several premises, with staff undertaking additional checks and, in some cases, consulting another staff member to verify identification and age.”
“The 100% pass rate of this operation shows that licensees are taking their responsibilities seriously and investing in staff training to ensure they meet the requirements of the Act.”
Selling alcohol to a minor is a serious offence. Licensees who sell alcohol to a person under the age of 18 risk enforcement action, including fines and the suspension or cancellation of their alcohol licence.
The Council works closely with local establishments, helping them navigate licence applications, monitor compliance, and implement practices that promote the safe and responsible sale of alcohol.
Reminder about special alcohol licences
With the busy festive season approaching, the Council is also encouraging anyone planning a function where they’ll be selling alcohol, to apply for their special alcohol licence well in advance.
“Special licence applications take a minimum of 20 working days to be assessed, so if event planners want enough time for their application to be considered before Christmas, they need to submit it by 20 November,” Rob says.
A special alcohol licence is only valid for a particular event, series of linked events, or social gathering specified in the licence. Applications are considered on a case-by-case before a decision is made. Find out more about special alcohol licences and apply online.