Five supermarkets in Otago have been prohibited from selling alcohol for two days due to a promotion of alcohol online.
FreshChoice stores in Roslyn, Green Island, Roxburgh, Queenstown, and Lake Hāwea will be prohibited from selling alcohol for 48 hours beginning later this month.
They are among 22 South Island FreshChoice supermarkets hit by the suspension.
The suspension of alcohol sales at 38 FreshChoice supermarkets nationwide was requested by police, according to a decision from the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.
They claimed the supermarkets promoted a nationwide offer where customers could enter to win a $100 FreshChoice voucher with every purchase of Mac’s “Too Easy Juicy Hazy Pale Ale.” This was prominently featured on the homepage of each store’s website.
During the same period, some supermarkets did not display their current liquor licences online, with the link provided leading police to an expired licence.
The off-licences for the 38 supermarkets were suspended for two days, with the suspension dates falling between September 14 and 18.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 makes it an offence to offer any goods or services, the chance to obtain goods or services, or the opportunity to win a prize “on the condition that alcohol is purchased.
The suspension did not apply to all FreshChoice supermarkets.
FreshChoice supermarkets are operated by independent franchisees under Wholesale Distributors Ltd, a subsidiary of Woolworths New Zealand.
“We sincerely apologise to our customers for any inconvenience this may cause, and we’re working to ensure they are notified in store in advance,” Woolworths New Zealand franchise executive general manager Tim Cartwright said.