By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and two minor decoys, conducted Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Operations in Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar on Thursday.
During the Minor Decoy operation, under the supervision of officers, minor decoys visited five retail locations and attempted to purchase alcohol. Of the locations visited, one sold alcohol to the decoy.
The Shoulder Tap operation took place outside a local liquor store, where the decoy asked adults to purchase alcohol on their behalf, explicitly stating they were underage. Out of four adults approached, one agreed to buy alcohol for the minor. The penalty for providing alcohol to a minor includes a minimum fine of $1,000 and 24 hours of community service.
These compliance checks, conducted by Alcoholic Beverage Control throughout California, aim to reduce alcohol availability to minors. Studies indicate that individuals under 21 face a higher risk of drunk driving fatalities compared to the general adult population.
The Sheriff’s Office works closely with Alcoholic Beverage Control under the Alcohol Policing Partnership grant to curb underage drinking and other alcohol-related crimes. In July 2024, the Sheriff’s Office was awarded a $75,000 APP grant. These funds are allocated to communities patrolled by deputies, focusing on reducing alcohol-related offenses and educating ABC-licensed businesses.
The APP program fosters collaboration between law enforcement and community stakeholders, building positive relationships and enhancing public safety across San Diego County.
Anyone with information about businesses providing alcohol to minors is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
