Franklin retailer caught selling alcohol to minor

Franklin District Council and the Police completed an operation last week targeting retailers for the sale of alcohol to minors.

A teenager, aged less than 18 years old, attempted to buy alcohol in each of the five retail outlets targeted around the district. These are all off licence premises licensed to sell alcohol from throughout the Franklin District.

Four retail outlets refused to sell alcohol to the teenager while one retailer sold to the minor, who had no identification.

Franklin District Council GM Environmental Services James Jefferson says, “Franklin District Council and Counties Manukau Police are concerned by this serious breach by the retailer. While only one out of five off licences broke the law, that’s one too many for Franklin.”

The retailer who failed this operation has been reported to the Liquor Licensing Authority, and action will be taken against them. Sanctions can include the suspension or the cancellation of their liquor licence.

“This serves to remind all licensed and off-licensed premises that they must abide by the law and only sell alcohol to those 18 years or older, with identification. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences,” James says.

Under to the Sale of Liquor Act, District Councils are appointed as District Licensing Agency’s, and act in conjunction with the Liquor Licencing Authority. District Licencing Agency’s are responsible for the issue of liquor licences and manager's certificates. Enforcement of the Act is the responsibility of the Police with assistance from the District Licensing Authority and the Medical Officer of Health.