Statewide Operation Targeting Adults Who Purchase Alcohol for Minors Nets 522 Arrests

A statewide operation targeting adults who purchase alcohol for people under 21 years old had resulted in 522 arrests by 10 p.m. Saturday, a spokesman for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control said.

ABC agents and officers from at least 109 local police and sheriff's departments conducted Decoy Shoulder Tap Operations, in which a minor under the direct supervision of an agent or officer stood outside liquor or convenience stores and asked patrons to buy them alcohol, indicating that he or she was underage and could not purchase it on their own,  said ABC spokesman John Carr.

"If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, officers then arrest and cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor," Carr said. "The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service."

The San Diego Sheriff's Department reported that five men and a 65-year-old woman were arrested in its jurisdiction during the operation and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor.

The sting was conducted at various locations in the city of Vista, said Deputy Chase Chiappino.

—City News Service