Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff detectives recently conducted a “Decoy Shoulder Tap” alcohol enforcement operation with the Oakley Police Department.
The goal of the operation was to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and also to deter adults from buying alcohol for minors.
During the operation, a minor under the direct supervision of a detective, stands in front of a liquor store or convenience store and asks patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way that he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. When the adult agrees to buy the alcohol, and then furnishes the alcohol to the minor, the adult is arrested by detectives and issued a citation.
The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.
The operation resulted in 3 citations, two arrests for illegal possession of firearms, and one arrest for a parole violation.
The operation was funded by a grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control through the department’s Grant Assistance Program.
