2 arrested for buying alcohol for minors

DOWNEY -- Two people were cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor during a Downey Police Department “shoulder-tap” operation on Saturday. 

In the operation, a person under age 21 stands outside a liquor store or convenience store and asks customers to purchase alcohol for them. The minor indicates they are under 21 years old and can’t buy the alcohol themselves. 

Adults who purchase alcohol for the underage decoy receive a citation. 

The decoy is under direct supervision of a police officer, authorities said. Downey Police completed the operation with assistance from the Bell Gardens and Whittier police departments. 

Approximately 70 police and sheriff’s departments across California participated in the operation, which was funded by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.