Some North Canterbury liquor outlets could temporarily lose their licences, after selling alcohol to under-age volunteers.
Last weekend, two 16-year-old volunteers were sent into 16 shops in the region, to see if they would be sold alcohol, as part of an operation by the Liquor Enforcement Group. Five shops failed.
Sergeant Kelvin Giddens, of the Canterbury police's alcohol harm reduction section, says those outlets will now go before the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority, which is likely to suspend their licences for a period of time.
Mr Giddens says people selling liquor should ask for approved identification from anyone who looks under 25.