Police Nab Adults Buying Alcohol for Minors in Decoy Operation

Two people were cited this week in a Hemet police sting to nab adults willing to buy alcoholic beverages for underage drinkers.

The "shoulder tap" operation occurred Wednesday at five liquor and convenience stores licensed by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, according to Hemet police Cpl. Glen Brock.

"Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer stood outside of liquor and convenience stores and asked patrons to buy them alcohol," Brock said.  "The minor indicated in some way that he or she was underage and could not purchase the alcohol."

Of the 27 people who were approached, two agreed to make purchases for the youth, according to Brock.

"Both of the people who purchased alcohol for the minor were cited and released from the scene," he said. "The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service."

A California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) grant funded the operation. 

- City News Service contributed to this report.