Charges are pending against three licensed premises in the Waitaki Valley after a controlled-purchase operation at the weekend.
Underage youths visited 21 licensed premises in the Waitaki district and were sold alcohol at three, Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said.
The operation was held largely because of the forthcoming Labour Weekend and the issues that arose last year during the holiday weekend because of young people and alcohol.
Police wanted to send a message that selling alcohol to underage youths would not be tolerated because of the harm it caused in the community, Sgt Woodbridge said.
