Police carried out a ''control purchase operation'' at 14 alcohol retailers in Queenstown and Wanaka last week, and were pleased with the response.
The operation, by police and the Lakes Environmental liquor licensing inspector, involved a volunteer below the legal purchasing age attempting to buy alcohol from a licensed premises.
Fourteen premises were visited on Thursday, December 23, and no sales were made.
Queenstown alcohol harm reduction officer Sergeant Keith Newell, of Queenstown, said he was pleased liquor-store staff and duty managers were vigilant in asking for identification.
''We know for the next couple of weeks Central Otago off-licences will be under pressure from minors trying to purchase alcohol, so it was good to see staff were vigilant in asking for ID and not making the sales,'' Sgt Newell said.
