Two subjects who purchased alcohol for a minor and one convenience store owner who sold alcohol to a minor were cited Friday, March 28, during undercover operations conducted by the Long Beach Police Department’s Vice Investigations Section.
Targeting employees of liquor stores who sell alcohol to minors, the “minor decoy” operation visited 14 establishments, where LBPD supervised a person under 21 years old as they attempted to purchase alcohol. Only one citation was issued, to an employee of the 7-Eleven at 5103 E. Pacific Coast Highway.
The “shoulder tap” operation focuses on individuals who purchase alcohol for minors and was conducted by having the supervised minor approach customers outside the business and requesting alcohol be purchased on their behalf. During this operation, two were cited for unlawfully furnishing alcohol to a minor, a misdemeanor offense.
LBPD expressed their satisfaction that so many establishments are in compliance with ABC laws. Similarly sized undercover operations in the last year have yielded anywhere between seven and 16 citations.
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.
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