Police checking if merchants sell alcohol to minors
The city’s police department, in partnership with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, will be conducting sting operations in town to help reduce underage drinking.
The goal of the program is to reduce youth access to alcohol and send a message that it is illegal for adults to purchase or provide alcohol to persons under the age of 21, according a press release from Paso Robles Police Department. The program will be conducted between March 10 and June 30, 2014. It uses two types of operations designed to test merchants selling alcohol and adults who might buy alcohol for those underage.
Minor Decoy Program
The Minor Decoy Program uses individuals, who are under the age of 20, to attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages at ABC licensed premises. If an individual sells to the minor decoy, the seller is issued a criminal citation. In addition, the ABC may file administrative disciplinary action against the licensee.
Decoy Shoulder Tap Program
The Decoy Shoulder Tap Program uses individuals who are under the age of 21, to identify people who furnish alcoholic beverages to minors outside ABC licensed establishments.
This program is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Decoy Shoulder Tap/Minor Decoy Mini-Grant Project, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These programs have proven to be an effective tool, which law enforcement agencies have used to reduce the availability of alcoholic beverages to minors. These programs support the police department’s mission to work with the community to build trust and provide quality service that actively prevents crime, reduces the fear of crime, and promotes safety.
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