Hundreds Nabbed Statewide For Allegedly Buying Alcohol For Teen Decoys

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Hundreds of people were nabbed over the weekend as part of statewide operation targeting adults who purchase alcohol for minors.

The 536 citations and arrests were made by law enforcement agencies throughout the state as part of the Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation.

The operation involves minors, under the supervision of police or deputies, asking adults to buy them beer or alcohol.

Those, who did, were cited immediately with a minimum $1,000 fine along with community service.

For the third year, the effort was organized by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

ABC spokesman John Carr tells KNX 1070's Ed Mertz that the message is simple: don't buy alcohol and give it to minors.

"It's illegal. It's dangerous. We lose too many young people in DUI crashes. So if we can get this message out, help keep you safe, then it gets the discussion going," Carr said.