Four Arrested for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors in Police Sting

DAVIS, CA- Four adults were arrested after furnishing alcohol to minors in a sting operation on Friday, according to Davis Police officials.

The Davis Police Department officials reports that the four suspects were arrested at three separate ABC licensed off-sale locations during a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation that targets adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age.

Officials report that under the program, 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 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, officers then arrest and cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor.

The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

Officials say that the program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics show they generally have a higher rate of drunken driving crashes than adults. Studies also show the combination of alcohol and youth tends to increase criminal conduct. 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 project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Decoy Program Grant, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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