Nearly 150 Arrested For Fake IDs At Jones Beach Theater This Summer

Nearly 150 people were arrested at different concerts at Jones Beach this summer for using fake IDs to try to purchase alcohol during the state's crackdown on underage drinking.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the arrests on Wednesday. In addition to the arrests at Jones Beach, there were six businesses across Long Island that were ticketed for selling alcohol to minors.

"Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions with potentially life altering consequences, or worse, and we have an obligation to crack down on this reckless behavior and hold accountable those who enable it," Cuomo said. "This administration will continue to take action to hold businesses accountable for illegal sales as well as those who use fake IDs, to ensure a safer, healthier New York for all."

The crackdown is more intense than last year, where 62 were arrested for underage drinking and 72 fake IDs were confiscated at the Jones Beach theater.

In all, the DMV investigators arrested 142 people for using fake IDs at Jones Beach. There were:

• 15 arrests at Brantley Gilbert concert on July 27
• 17 arrests at Brad Paisley concert on Aug. 3
• 46 arrests at Billboard Hot 100 concert on Aug. 19
• 57 arrests at Billboard Hot 100 concert on Aug. 20
• 7 arrests at Luke Bryan concert on Aug. 27

In addition to the fake ID arrests, the state also ticketed the following businesses:

• Village Deli, 61 West Columbia St., Hempstead
• Around the Clock, 58 Main St., Hempstead
• Blue Liquor Store, 151 Main St., Hempstead
• Kennedy Park Food Mart Inc, 270 Greenwich St., Hempstead
• Marta’s Deli, 300 Riverleigh Ave., Riverhead
• Hampton Deli, 887 Flanders Road, Riverhead

Businesses that sell alcohol to minors face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with fines starting from $2,500 to $3,000 for a first time offense. Repeat offenders also face potential suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses.

The crackdown is part of Operation Prevent, a DMV initiative conducted all year long that targets not only bars and drinking establishments, but concerts, events and other underage hot spots. During an Operation Prevent sting, state investigators work with the State Liquor Authority and law enforcement entities to check identification documents. Patrons found to be using fake IDs or false documents can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

"Keeping alcohol out of the hands of underage youth is a top priority at the New York State Liquor Authority," said Vincent G. Bradley, chairman of the New York State Liquor Authority. "We are committed to partnering on the front lines with DMV and local law enforcement to ensure alcohol is sold and purchased responsibly by adults only."

Photo: Patch