Three Busted in Novato 'Decoy Minor' Operation: Police

NOVATO, CA- Three people were cited and released Wednesday after purchasing alcohol for "decoy minors" supervised by Novato police.

Novato police officers conducted a minor alcohol access operation between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. at The Speakeasy, Ignacio Wines and Spirits, The Viking, Browns Binyerd, Chiringhelli's and Grocery Outlet.

Each of the six locations successfully asked the decoy minor for identification, according to police.

Police said "shoulder taps" were conducted at four additional locations, with a total of 15 people asked to purchase alcohol for a minor decoy. According to police, only three of the 15 people, Daniel Bickerton, 28, Peter Carlone, 32, and Joy Ramilo, 38, provided the decoy with alcohol. The three were issued citations before being released.

The operation is funded by the Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth to prevent youth access to alcohol.

– By Bay City News Service. Image via Shutterstock.