Five people were cited for attempting to purchase alcohol for a minor during an undercover Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) operation on Monday, the LBPD announced Thursday morning.
The Vice Investigations Section participated in a “Shoulder Tap Operation” that focused on individuals who knowingly purchased alcohol for minors.
Under the direction of the LBPD, minors approached customers outside of businesses, which were unaware of the undercover operation. They told the individuals that they were too young to buy the alcohol. The minors then requested the individuals buy them alcohol on their behalf.
Five of those individuals agreed to purchase alcohol for the minors, police said, and were subsequently issued a misdemeanor citation for unlawfully purchasing alcohol for a minor.
“These operations are conducted with the community’s safety in mind,” the LBPD said in a statement. “The LBPD will continue to enforce ABC laws at all establishments throughout the city and wants to remind everyone that there are consequences for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.”
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 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.