Hemet Police Department Cites Two for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors
Hemet, CA – On 12/5/2012 Hemet Police Officers and ABC Agents conducted a program called a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation which led to the arrest of adults who purchased alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer stood outside of liquor and convenience stores and asked patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicated in some way that he or she was underage and could not purchase the alcohol.
During this operation, 27 adults at 5 local ABC licensed establishments where contacted and a request was made of them by the minor to purchase alcohol. Out of the 27 approached, two agreed to purchase alcohol. Both of the people who purchased alcohol for the minor were cited and released from the scene. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.
The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromise health, and result in unintentional injury and death.
This operation was funded by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control through the department’s Grant Assistance Program (GAP). ABC is a department of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.