The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 11 that three people were arrested for furnishing alcohol to minors during a decoy operation conducted in Seaside and Marina. The operation, known as a “Shoulder Tap” operation, was carried out with agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and targeted adults who purchase alcohol for individuals under the age of 21.
This enforcement action aims to address underage drinking, which is linked to higher risks of vehicle crashes among young drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking.
During the operation, law enforcement supervised a minor who asked customers outside liquor or convenience stores to buy them alcohol while stating they were underage. If an adult agreed, they could be cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor—a violation carrying a minimum $1,000 fine and at least 24 hours of community service.
At around 1:00 PM in Seaside, Luis Velazquez was cited after purchasing alcohol for the minor decoy; further investigation revealed Velazquez himself was only 19 years old and had not presented identification when buying the alcohol. The store clerk involved, Ha Kim, was also cited for selling alcohol to someone under 21. Later that day in Marina, Hassan Beyah was issued a citation after purchasing and providing alcohol to another minor decoy.
Sheriff Tina Nieto said, “We are grateful to ABC which provides the grant funding for these operations that help keep alcohol out of our youth’s hands. We want everyone to know about these shoulder tap operations and think twice before having any thoughts of irresponsibly purchasing alcohol for anyone under the age of 21. We have a collaborative responsibility to protect our youth.”
Funding for this program came from an ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership grant. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control states its mission is “to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.”
