Two enforcement operations targeting underage drinking in Palm Springs found few adults willing to sell alcohol to minors, the Palm Springs Police Department said.
The "Minor Decoy" and "Shoulder Tap" campaigns tested the waters June 14 and 15 to determine the prevalence of minors getting alcohol from adults in violation of the law, a PSPD news release said. PSPD was happy to report that only one individual broke the law by buying alcohol for a minor, a news release said. As part of the operation, a minor would openly confess to being under the legal age to buy alcohol for themselves and ask the adult for assistance.
"We are pleased to report that all of the licensed establishments demonstrated exemplary responsibility, by preventing the sale of alcohol to the minor," according to the release. "Their commitment to adhering to the law and ensuring the well-being of our community's youth is commendable."
Working together with Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents, PSPD conducted Minor Decoy Operation in which a minor tried to buy alcohol from several city establishments. The second operation, coined Shoulder Tap, involved a minor approaching adults at retail convenience stores asking the adult to buy their alcohol.
The good news is that not one of the establishments in Minor Decoy Operation allowed the sale of liquor under the legal age. The results for Shoulder Tap Operation, which involved a minor accompanied by a peace officer, also proved a victory for youth sobriety. Out of the 31 adults contacted during the operation, only one individual violated the law by providing alcohol to the minor, the release said.
In its Facebook report, PSPD took the opportunity to warn of the consequences for those who break the law and serve or buy alcohol for minors. The law calls for a minimum penalty of $1,000 and 24 hours of community service, the release said.
"The collaboration between the Palm Springs Police Department and the ABC is an essential component of the Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program, initiated by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control," the release said. Law enforcement looks to such operations to build responsibility in those licensed to sell alcohol and reduce alcohol abuse involving minors, restricting the availability of alcohol to young people.
PSPD went on to encourage residents to get involved in keeping youths safe and well by being the eyes and ears of police when it comes to illegal alcohol sales. Those who know of licensed liquor establishments breaking the law to serve minors are encouraged to contact authorities. Anonymous reports can be made by calling Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867 or the Palm Springs Police Department's non-emergency line at 760-323-8116.