Hundreds Arrested For Buying Alcohol For Minors In Statewide Sweep

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — Undercover minors asking adults to buy booze helped law enforcement arrest dozens in the Bay Area and hundreds across California in a statewide underage drinking enforcement operation.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control teamed up with local police and sheriff's deputies Saturday to conduct Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation.

Law enforcement had minors stand outside liquor stores and ask patrons to buy alcohol for them, indicating they were underage. Adults who agreed were arrested and cited. The penalty for buying alcohol for a minor is $1000 and 24 hours of community service.

In the Bay Area alone, ABC agents arrested or cited 55 adult offenders as of 9 p.m. Saturday. Some 413 citations and arrests were made statewide. Most of the individuals were cited, but 70 were arrested for carrying open containers, false identification or other offenses.