Four caught in booze sting

Liquor outlets in Nelson have been caught selling alcohol to 17-yearold girls during a police operation.

Four businesses sold the girls cider during a controlled purchase operation by police, the Nelson City Council and Public Health on the evening of March 6.

At three of the outlets, staff did not ask the girls their age, and at the fourth outlet, staff did not confirm their age by checking their identification.

A total of 23 businesses were visited.

Nelson Bays prevention manager Senior Sergeant John Price said he was disappointed with the result of the operation.

‘‘This is especially poor, as one of the premises has previously sold during a controlled purchase operation.’’

Price said previous operations had generally resulted in much higher levels of compliance.

‘‘These results reinforce the need for police to work with partners to ensure compliance with the regulation of alcohol sales and consumption.

‘‘Licensees have a responsibility to ensure that they and their staff check the identification of people they serve alcohol to, or there will be consequences for their business.’’

The businesses will be identified publicly once police inquiries are completed.

Photos: ALDEN WILLIAMS/FAIRFAX NZ Ririko Saito, left, and Misa Kurashina perform a traditional Japanese fishing dance at the Nelson College for Girls cultural diversity day.