Eight South Waikato liquor stores caught selling alcohol to minors

Tuesday 12 August 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 12 Aug 2025, 4:03pm

Police conducted a controlled purchase operation in Tokoroa and Putāruru where eight out of 11 tested premises sold alcohol to an underage volunteer. Officers described the results of the August 2 sting as "staggeringly poor" and expressed shock that most businesses failed to check identification.

How they headlined it

1:25pm4:03pm

1. StuffTue 12 Aug 2025, 1:25pm

   Liquor stores in two small South Waikato towns busted selling to minors (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 12 Aug 2025, 1:32pm

   Alcohol sting: South Waikato stores face licence risks after selling to underage teen (opens in new tab)

3. Waikato TimesTue 12 Aug 2025, 1:33pm

   Cops shocked by under-age booze sales (opens in new tab)

4. RNZTue 12 Aug 2025, 4:03pm

   Multiple South Waikato businesses caught selling alcohol to minors (opens in new tab)