Police and ABC Agents arrest six for furnishing alcohol to minors
Published on March 14, 2022
Menlo Park, Calif. — On March 12, 2022, Menlo Park police officers and agents of the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested/issued six citations for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. The operation was conducted in the City of Menlo Park and was part of a statewide underage drinking enforcement operation designed to create awareness about the danger of underaged drinking. Approximately 50 law enforcement agencies and ABC participated in the operation, over 170 citations issued statewide
The goal of the operation is to demonstrate the serious consequences for adults that buy alcohol for minors. "Unfortunately, thousands of young people die in alcohol-related tragedies every year in this country," said ABC Director Eric Hirata. "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 operation resulted in citations for six individuals who allegedly furnished alcoholic beverages to minors. There was one other individual cited for an outstanding warrant. The operation keeps communities safe by holding accountable for harmful, illegal activities.
ABC agents and local law enforcement conducted a program, Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation, which targets adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer stands outside a liquor or convenience store and asks patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, Agents then arrest and cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service. The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Many of the local operations were funded by the ABC through the department's Alcohol Policing Partnership Program and some were funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
ABC's mission is to provide the highest level of service and public safety through licensing, education, and enforcement. ABC has developed programs that help protect communities, prevent alcohol-related harm, and potentially save lives, visit ABC's website to learn more about ABC programs. Learn more about ABC programs.
ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.
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Contact:
Officer Galen Fliege
gpfliege@menlopark.org
650-330-6300