Photo: 123RF
Multiple businesses in South Waikato have been caught selling alcohol to minors during a police sting operation.
Taupō Alcohol Harm Prevention officer Sergeant Greg Weston said police sent an underage volunteer to purchase alcohol from a range of on and off-licence premises in Tokoroa and Putāruru on Saturday, 2 August.
Eight out of 11 premises failed to check the volunteer's ID.
Sergeant Watson said the result was "staggeringly poor".
"I'm extremely disappointed with the level of non-compliance, and genuinely shocked.
"There is absolutely no excuse for outlets not to have good systems and processes for checking IDs, especially when they are operating in vulnerable communities.
"The messaging is very clear - no ID, no service."
Weston said the premises that failed had been spoken to and would learn of the outcomes in due course.
He said premises found to be providing alcohol to minors could expect serious consequences, including the potential suspension or cancellation of their liquor licence.
Duty managers could also have their licence suspended or cancelled.
The controlled purchase operation was carried out by Bay of Plenty Police, along with South Waikato District Council, and the National Public Health Service.
"Working 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 keeping our community safe," Weston said.
During the last police operation in the area, in October 2024, police said only one premise out of ten failed.
