170+ Californians Accused Of Purchasing Alcohol For Minors

CALIFORNIA — More than 170 people in California were accused of buying alcohol for minors in a statewide sweep conducted by the state department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The goal of the operation was to demonstrate the consequences for adults who purchase alcohol for those under 21 years of age, the ABC said in a news release.

"Underage drinking has numerous negative effects and consequences associated with it. Consuming alcohol underage not only damages the brain from fully developing, but it is also against the law and is the main contributing factor in vehicle collisions for persons between the ages of 16-20," agents wrote in a statement.

The number of arrests in connection with alcohol purchases for minors have declined each year, according to the agency.

The operation resulted in citations for 169 people who allegedly furnished alcoholic beverages to minors. At least eight others were cited for open containers, public drunkenness, or were taken into custody for various crimes or outstanding warrants.

Under the program, dubbed "Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation," a minor under the supervision of a peace officer stands outside a store that sells liquor and asks patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way that he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

If the adults make the purchase, they are cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

Participating Bay Area locales included:

• San Mateo County: 10+ citations were issued in Menlo Park and San Bruno/Pacifica/South San Francisco.
• Contra Costa County: At least 12 citations were issued, in Concord and San Pablo.
• Sonoma County: At least one citation was issued.
• South Bay: At least one citation was issued in Santa Clara County.
• Santa Cruz County: At least six citations were issued.
• San Joaquin County: At least two people were cited.

Bay City News contributed to this report.