5 arrested in Modesto police operation targeting alcohol sales to minors
Five people were arrested last week during a Modesto Police Department operation targeting adults who purchase alcohol for minors, authorities said.
The arrests were made Feb. 21 as part of a “shoulder tap” enforcement operation conducted in Modesto. The program targets adults who agree to buy alcohol for individuals under 21.
In a shoulder tap operation, minors working under the direct supervision of law enforcement stand outside a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to purchase alcohol for them. The minors inform the adults that they are underage and cannot legally buy alcohol, police said.
Adults who agree to purchase alcohol for the minors can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor.
“Operations like this send a clear message — adults who choose to furnish alcohol to minors will be held accountable,” Modesto police Lt. Eric Schuller said in a statement. “Underage drinking puts our youth, and our entire community, at risk.”
Those cited face a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service, according to police. Additional penalties are possible depending on the circumstances of the case.
The operation was conducted in partnership with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
“ABC conducts these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” ABC Director Paul Tupy said in a statement. “We can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUIs by preventing underage drinking.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young people under 21 face a significantly higher risk of being involved in crashes than older drivers. About 25% of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, the agency reports.
Police said funding for the enforcement effort was provided by a grant from the ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership program.
Authorities did not immediately release the names, ages or booking details of the five individuals arrested. It was unclear where in Modesto the operation took place.
