Calif. Cops Arrest 14 For Attempting to Get Alcohol For Minors

More than a dozen people were arrested for trying to buy alcohol for juveniles. Modesto Police officers worked with the Alcohol Beverage Control to conduct the undercover operation last weekend.

Jan. 20, 2012

Jan. 19--MODESTO -- More than a dozen people were arrested for trying to buy alcohol for juveniles.

Modesto Police officers worked with the Alcohol Beverage Control to conduct the undercover operation last weekend.

The "Shoulder Tap" decoy program uses minors under the direct supervision of a peace officer, who stands outside a liquor store and asks people to buy them alcohol. The undercover minor tells the adult they are unable to buy alcohol because of their age.

If the adult agrees to buy the minor alcohol, they are arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

Between January 13th and 14th, 14 people were arrested. And since last March, the "Shoulder Tap" program has netted 90 people. Cops say many of those cited were also arrested for breaking other laws, including drug and weapons charges.

This program is made possible by a grant awarded to Modesto last summer.