Four citations for furnishing alcohol to minors were issued Friday, March 16 during a "shoulder tap" sting by three local police agencies, according to a statement from the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
A citation was issued in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Two citations were issued in El Segundo. Another 172 adults were asked by the minors to buy booze for them and did not.
A "shoulder tap" sting positions a minor outside a store licensed to sell alcohol. The minor then tells an adult their age and asks them to buy booze. Any adult who provides alcohol to the minor is either cited or arrested, according to Chris Vargas, MBPD sergeant.
Shoulder taps are conducted to reduce the number of youths who get alcohol by hanging outside stores and asking adults purchase it for them, said Vargas.
In January, in another shoulder tap, seven people were cited in Manhattan Beach for furnishing alcohol to minors. Thirteen citations were issued overall in the three participating cities.
The MB, HB and ES police departments are using money from a $50,000 grant to reduce alcohol-related crimes. The money is being spent to train patrol officers and workers in stores or restaurants licensed to sell alcohol, as well as for conducting inspections and sting operations. The grant expires June 30, 2012.
- Previously:
