FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Most school districts are on summer break within Fresno County, and the Sheriff’s Office wants to ensure students and young adults enjoy the summer responsibly,
Sheriff’s Spokesperson Tony Botti said “Operation Saved by the Bell” uses underage “Decoys” to prevent alcohol from being sold to minors by businesses.
“So what we really want is for parents, the general public, and of course, people who are underage who think that this is a way they’re going to go score some alcohol, think again,” said Botti.
Botti says the “Shoulder Tap Operation” involves the Decoy asking people to purchase alcohol for them outside of of stores.
“If you are an unassuming citizen who is just running in to grab some groceries and you have some younger person asking you to buy booze for them – say ‘No'”, said Botti.
Botti says since May 31st, detectives have visited more than 60 locations in areas such as Biola, Fowler, Kerman, Kingsburg, Laton, Malaga, Reedley, San Joaquin and Tranquillity.
Detectives have also been working with the Fresno Police Department to address problem locations within the City of Fresno.
They have written eight citations, but Botti said the operation is year-round.
Anyone who buys alcohol for a Decoy gets a misdemeanor citation, and possibly a $1000 dollar fine and/or 24 hours community service.
Stores that are caught selling to minor could lose their liquor licenses.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
