Liquor licences suspended after sting

Police are asking people to look out for each other as the silly season, often marked with increased alcohol consumption, swings into gear.

The message goes to those selling alcohol too, after two businesses had their licences suspended for trying to sell to minors.

Highbury Superette and Sporty’s Bar in Palmerston North will have their licences suspended this month after being caught by a controlled purchase operation last month.

They sold to someone younger than 18 during the operation, run by police, Midcentral Health and the Palmerston North City Council.

Sporty’s will not be able to sell liquor on Thursday and Friday, while the superette’s ban runs from yesterday to Monday.

Managers at both business will have their manger’s certificates suspended for 28 days.

Police Inspector Ross Grantham said he would love to see no business fail during an operation. The stings let people know what places were complying with the rules, he said. The season was busy for businesses selling alcohol, but staff needed to be vigilant.

The operations were also useful for spreading information about safe drinking, Grantham said. ‘‘Some parents need to be more aware of what young people are doing and to try to educate them in appropriate drinking behaviour and habits.’’

Drinking too much could also lead to offending such as drink-driving, or being offended against, he said.

Keeping safe was a responsibility for everyone, not just those selling alcohol.