Four arrested in South Bay on suspicion of furnishing alcohol to minors

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Four people were arrested last weekend on suspicion of furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors, authorities said.

According to the National City Police Department (NCPD), agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) teamed up with officers to conduct what they described as a “shoulder tap” operation.

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This initiative targets adults of drinking age — 21 and over — who buy alcohol for those who are legally under age. The stint took place at an undisclosed location in National City on Saturday, Feb. 24, and four people were arrested as a result.

To bust these suspects, a minor stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol, NCPD explained. The minor, who is under supervision of law enforcement, also indicates that they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol themselves.

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

“We conduct these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” said ABC
Director Joseph McCullough. “By preventing underage drinking, we can increase the quality
of life in our communities, reduce DUIs and prevent serious injuries on our roads.”

The identities of the four suspects taken into custody during this operation were not immediately released.

“Underage drinking negatively impacts our community. Preventing the sale of alcohol to
minors will help to increase public safety and make our roads safer,” said NCPD Chief Alejandro Hernandez.

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