Bars serve underage youth in police sting

A police sting operation on bars and liquor outlets in Auckland last Friday shows many people in the hospitality industry still haven't got the message.

As part of the crackdown, underage youths were asked to enter licensed premises and bottle shops to see if they would be served.

Sergeant Jason Loye of the Avondale police says the operation included bottle shops in New Lynn, Avondale and Blockhouse Bay.

Mr Loye says in many cases the teenagers were able to enter bars without being challenged and were served with no questions being asked by staff.

But he says none of the west Auckland liquor stores targeted served the underage customers.

Mr Loye says they had good practices in place and have improved since a similar sting in July.

"The off-licences have upped their game and now very few of them are failing. But the bars aren't getting the message.

"It seems to have more to do with laziness. Because it's not hard to ask someone for ID."

But in one case the minor was told by a liquor store's staff member to get an 18-year-old to purchase it for them.

All bars and liquor outlets are expected to ask for identification from anyone who appears to be under 25 years of age.

The bars and liquor outlets which were caught in the police sting will now be referred to the Liquor Licensing Authority and are expected to lose their licences.

A total of 36 premises were targeted across Auckland as part of the operation.

- © Fairfax NZ News