Scouts get free booze in liquor crackdown

SCOUTS are being asked to go undercover and help in booze stings on supermarket chain Countdown.

Rovers, the Scouts division for ages 18 to 25, have been approached to help test the chain’s selling practices.

The Rovers will be paid $20 each to purchase alcohol from a Countdown supermarket and test if they check ID for anyone who looks under 25.

The Rovers will get to keep the alcohol and will be reimbursed for the purchase price.

Mystery shopper company Shoppers Anon, which is conducting the tests for Countdown, said the practice was legal, but some Rover members thought it was ‘‘not the best look’’ for the Scouts.

National Rover leader Andrew Kenny declined to comment on the stings and Scouts acting chief executive Shaun Greaves would not answer questions about the initiative, including whether Rovers would get a badge for the undercover missions.

Shoppers Anon general manager Nigel Burrows said they needed responsible young people to conduct the tests.

‘‘Asking those over 18 to complete this work voluntarily is legal, and is done to help retailers prevent underage sales and alcohol related harm.’’

Countdown general manager of corporate affairs James Walker said they discovered about the Scouts initiative on Friday.

‘‘They are a group of people who are responsible young adults. On the surface, it sounds bad, but in reality it is maybe quite sensible.’’