State sting targets those buying alcohol for teens. How many were cited in Fresno County?
Editor’s note: The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control incorrectly stated initially that at least 15 people had been cited in Fresno County. That total was for both Fresno and Madera counties.
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More than two dozen people — including at least 12 in Fresno County — were cited in the central San Joaquin Valley as part of a statewide sting targeting those who buy alcohol for minors.
The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, in cooperation with nearly 50 local law enforcement agencies throughout the state, carried out the operation. About 170 people were cited statewide, according to a Sunday news release.
In Operation Shoulder Tap, “a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol,” the ABC stated.
“The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. If the adults agree and purchase alcohol for the minor, officers then cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor.”
The sting was “designed to create awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and keep communities safe,” according to the release.
Fresno County saw the largest number of individuals cited during the operation among counties in the central San Joaquin Valley, with 12 people facing fines.
Madera County saw at least three people cited, and Merced, Tulare, and Kings counties saw at least one individual in each of their jurisdictions cited.
At least six individuals were cited in Stanislaus County, three in Kern County and two in San Joaquin County, according to the release.
Many people do the right thing, the ABC reported. In Kern County, the Sheriff’s Office team “made contact with 27 individuals and all of the individuals approached by a decoy working with the sheriff’s office said no, they would not purchase alcohol for the minor decoy.”
An ABC team working in the Taft area cited three people in that part of Kern County.
“Unfortunately, thousands of young people die in alcohol-related tragedies every year in this country,” Eric Hirata, director for the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, said in the release. “This collaborative effort among California law enforcement agencies spotlights underage drinking prevention, increases public safety for communities, and boosts protections for California’s youth.”
The largest number cited was in Los Angeles County, with at least 66 people facing fines. The minimum fine is $1,000 and 24 hours of community service, according to the release.
This story was originally published March 13, 2022 at 1:44 PM.
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