This past Tuesday gave way to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD)’s first operation of the year focusing on alcohol purchases for/sales to minors through its Vice Investigation Section.
Working with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), LBPD embarked on an undercover operation similar to the ones they conducted back in November.
“Minor decoy” operations involve an underage person working with the LBPD and ABC who attempts to buy alcohol in liquor or convenience stores from its employees. “Shoulder tap” operations involve underage persons approaching a customer in order to have alcohol purchased for them.
During the latter operation, three citations were issued outside an establishment within the 400 block of Long Beach Boulevard; 14 customers in total were approached by the undercover minor.
Seven stores and their employees out of 20 investigated were cited during the “minor decoy” operations. They include:
- Royal Market, 810 E Anaheim
- A & Cherry Market, 1834 E Anaheim
- Mekong Market, 2230 E Anaheim
- Para Liquor, 5660 Paramount Blvd
- Elby’s Liquor, 2337 E South St
- Eddie’s Jr Market, 2943 Santa Fe
- Villa Market, 2990 Santa Fe
Anyone wishing to report illegal behavior relating to the unlawful sale of alcohol should contact the Vice Investigations Section at 562-570-7219. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.