1 Person Cited For Buying Alcohol For Teen Decoy: Officials

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Authorities caught one adult buying alcohol for a minor during an operation aimed at preventing underage drinking, sheriff's officials said Tuesday.

On Saturday, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control stationed three teens as decoys looking for alcohol in locations between Solana Beach and Encinitas.

"The Shoulder Tap Operation was conducted in front of six local retail liquor stores where a teenager asked adults to purchase the teen alcohol," said Sgt. Marcello Orsini, from the North Coastal sheriff's station.

The decoys made contact with 23 adults, and one purchased alcohol for the minor, according Orsini.

Selling or providing alcohol to a minor is a misdemeanor in California, and is punishable by a $250 fine and/or at least 24 hours of community service.

The Shoulder Tap Operation is a part of the statewide ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership Program with local law enforcement agencies to "help make communities safer," Orsini said. It will last through June.

Anyone with information on licensed liquor stores providing alcohol to minors can report an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477, or by calling the sheriff's department at 858-565-5200.

— City News Service