November 02, 2016
More than 200 underage drinkers who partied too hard at the Jersey Shore and those who served them over the summer faced the consequences, according to the New Jersey Attorney General.
The 2016 "Cops in Shops" summer program that seeks to limit people under the age of 21 from consuming alcohol arrested 229 from Union Beach to Wildwood, the attorney general's office announced Wednesday.
Twenty-seven beaches participated in the program led by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, according to officials. The division celebrated its 20th anniversary of the program in 2016.
“I recognize that all kids make mistakes from time to time," said Attorney General Porrino in a news release. "Our goal is not to punish youthful indiscretion. It's to provide underage drinkers with a serious wake-up call before their behavior results in a tragedy."
ABC gives grants to the beach's police departments to work undercover in stores selling alcohol to patrons under 18. The program ran from May 23 until Sept. 14.
The more than 200 teenagers faced disorderly persons offenses, fines and/or got their driver's license suspended. Individuals caught selling to minors also faced disorderly persons offenses as well as a $500 fine.
