Alcohol Sting Results in Six Arrests for Allegedly Providing Alcohol to a Minor
On February 19, 2023, the Menlo Park police officers and the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents conducted a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation in the city of Menlo Park, which resulted in the arrest and citation of six individuals for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors.
According to a press release, the program was aimed at targeting adults who purchase alcohol for people under the age of 21. During the operation, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer stood outside a liquor or convenience store and asked patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicated in some way that they were underage and could not purchase the alcohol.
If the adults agreed to purchase alcohol for the minor, the ABC agents then arrested and cited them for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the department’s Alcohol Partnership Program (APP). As part of the grant requirement, notification of results from these operations must be made public in the form of a press release.
The ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, which is dedicated to ensuring public safety by regulating the alcoholic beverage industry in California.
The Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation has been successful in reducing the availability of alcohol to minors in the past. It is an effective tool in preventing underage drinking and its associated risks.
The ABC encourages individuals to report any suspicious activity involving alcohol to the local authorities. Anyone who witnesses adults providing alcohol to minors should immediately report it to the police or the ABC.
Menlo Park Police have not released the identities of the six who were arrested or cited.
