Crime & Safety
'Shoulder Tap' Program Uses Decoys To Stop Illegal Alcohol Sales
Almost 340 people were arrested or cited during the statewide operation, authorities said.
More than 70 state law enforcement agencies, including many from the Bay Area, are joining the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in the underage drinking enforcement "Shoulder Tap 2019" operation. The "shoulder tap" refers to a common way for minors to obtain alcohol -- by standing outside of a liquor store or market and asking adults to buy them alcohol.
A recent survey conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department indicated that almost half of all minors who try to acquire alcohol use this method. Law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with the state ABC, also use decoys -- minors who try to buy alcohol. Clerks that don't check IDs or sell to the decoys anyway are cited or arrested.
In 2018, ABC agents cited or arrested more than 3,200 people in "Shoulder Tap" operations, the agency said. Over the program's 10 years, about one in 10 people approached as part of a "Shoulder Tap" operation buys alcohol for a decoy.
Find out what's happening in Livermorefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The timing of the operation centers on the St. Patrick's Day, March 17, which this year is a Sunday.
Shoulder Tap 2019 - 339 have been Cited or Arrested in a Statewide Underage Drinking Enforcement Operation conducted by the California ABC and over 70 Local Law Enforcement Agencies that is continuing this hour. #AlcoholPolicingPartnership
— CaliforniaABC (@CA_ABC) March 10, 2019
By Bay City News