Why did the store person refuse to serve me when I was accompanied by a minor?

Secondary supply is the most common way young people obtain alcohol; this is where someone who is legally entitled to buy alcohol passes that alcohol on to a minor or to an intoxicated person. It is against the law to provide or supply alcohol to a minor on licensed premises. We will refuse service if we have reasonable belief that a person who is legally entitled to buy alcohol is purchasing on behalf of a minor or will supply alcohol to a minor. We will do the same if we believe the purchase is for an intoxicated person. If we overhear a conversation between an adult and minor or an intoxicated person or witness any actions that suggest the purchase is for the minor or an intoxicated person, we will refuse the sale. We will always err on the side of caution in the interest of safe and responsible service of alcohol.

Common instances where we will refuse service.

• If we overhear a conversation between an adult and a minor that suggests the purchase is for the minor. E.g. where the minor is asking the adult for the type of liquor they like to drink; 
• We witness actions between an adult and a minor that suggest the purchase is for the minor. E.g. where the minor picks out the type of liquor they want and takes it to the counter or gives the adult the money to purchase the liquor they have picked out; 
• If a group of young people enters the store, ID must be produced by all of them - not just those making a purchase; if one or more of the group cannot produce ID we will refuse service. 

 

Last Updated: 22nd August 2022