Deputies in Yucaipa and state agents used a decoy under the age of 21 to solicit people to buy alcohol last week and two men were arrested, according to the Sheriff's Department.
The "decoy shoulder tap operation" was staged on Wednesday May 29 with Alcoholic Beverage Control personnel, deputies said in a statement.
"The decoy shoulder tap program uses a minor decoy, under the direct supervision of law enforcement officer, solicits adults outside ABC licensed stores to buy the minor decoy alcohol," deputies said.
Any person seen furnishing alcohol for the decoy is arrested and cited or booked for doing so, deputies said.
The goals are to reduce underage consumption of and access to alcohol, expand local law enforcement of underage drinking laws, and raise public awareness, deputies said.
Deputies arrested one man on suspicion of furnishing alcohol to a minor, possessing a controlled substance, and being under the influence, and another man on suspicion of being under the influence. Both men are Yucaipa residents and they were booked at Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.
Redlands police are planning party patrols to crack down on anticipated underage drinking this week as thousands of teens graduate from local high schools.
A Redlands spokesman reminded party hosts the city council approved a social host ordinance in January. The ordinance holds hosts responsible for alcohol consumption by people under age 21 at their parties.
Violators of the ordinance are subject to fines ranging from $100 to $500, city spokesman Carl Baker said. Repeat violations can result in additional fines that include costs incurred by law enforcement, fire and other emergency service providers.
Graduations in the Redlands this week include Redlands East Valley High on June 5, Redlands High on June 6, and Citrus Valley High on June 7.
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