pr On October 14, 2018, the San Diego Police Department conducted a “Minor Decoy” operation in the Western and Eastern areas. “Minor Decoy” operations focus on businesses that sell or furnish alcohol to people under 21 years of age. Two businesses sold alcoholic beverages to a minor as a result of the “Minor Decoy” operation, resulting in two persons being arrested and released with citations for furnishing an alcoholic beverage to a minor.
During the “Minor Decoy” operation, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer, will enter a business where alcohol is sold and attempt to buy alcohol. If the employee sells alcohol to the minor, officers arrest and cite him/her for furnishing alcohol to the minor. The business is also subject to penalties through Alcohol Beverage Control.
The “Minor Decoy” operation program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics show minors generally have a higher rate of alcohol related vehicle collisions than adults. Studies also show the combination of alcohol and youth tends to increase criminal conduct. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, and impaired decision making likely to result in unintentional injury or death.
This operation was funded by Alcohol Beverage Control via the Alcohol Policing Partnership Grant 2018-2019.
