4 people held in Laguna as part of crackdown on alcohol purchases for minors

Laguna Beach police cited four adults on suspicion that they purchased alcohol for underage decoys Saturday during a statewide undercover operation.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control furnished two people under 21 who, with guidance from investigators, asked 60 adults at eight establishments in Laguna to buy alcohol, police said.

The Alcohol Decoy Buy Program is a statewide initiative used by law enforcement to lessen the number of adults who willingly purchase alcoholic beverages for minors at grocery stores, convenience markets and liquor stores, according to a news release.

“Most encounters led to the decoys being turned down,” the release said. “Unfortunately, four adults did agree to purchase alcohol for the underage decoys and were consequently issued misdemeanor citations.”

It added that “many of the individuals who were approached by the decoys said they were familiar with prior enforcement operations.”

Huntington Beach police cited five adults, among 340 people cited statewide, the Huntington Beach Independent reported.

A misdemeanor citation for furnishing alcohol to a minor can lead to a fine of up to $1,000, which includes court costs, the release said.