A quarter of all bars tested in a police operation in Auckland during the weekend were caught selling alcohol to minors.
The operation sent 15-year-olds into 131 off-licence outlets, such as liquor stores and supermarkets, and 31 on-licence outlets, such as bars and pubs.
Under-age customers were able to buy alcohol at 7% of the liquor stores and supermarkets, while 26% of the bars and pubs sold to the teens.
Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer Sergeant Jason Loye says controlled purchase operations have traditionally focused on off-licence outlets, but as a result of this operation police will target more on-licence premises.
Sergeant Loye says all bars should know their obligation to ask for identification from people who appear to be under the age of 25.
