The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) joined forces Saturday, May 9, to conduct an undercover sting operation.
Using two supervised underage decoys, the enforcement team visited 20 alcohol retail establishments within the city of Santa Monica. Two of the locations visited, the decoys were able to purchase alcohol without having proper identification. Sales clerks from each location were issued misdemeanor citations.
The enforcement initiative known as a "Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation" carried out on May 9, represents a coordinated effort between ABC and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state of California. The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors through awareness and enforcement efforts. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromise health, and result in unintentional injury and death.
Many local operations were funded by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control through the department's Grant Assistance Program (GAP), while others were funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.
