LAKE OSWEGO – Underage drinking is a national public health and safety issue. To help minimize alcohol related incidents involving minors, the Lake Oswego Police Department will be conducting operations to ensure local businesses licensed to sell alcohol are abiding by laws prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors.

Between August 1st and August 30th, underage decoys will be sent to businesses within Lake Oswego and will attempt to purchase alcohol. The City has conducted similar operations in the past and has had very good compliance from local businesses. By continuing to reinforce the importance of preventing underage drinking, the Police Department hopes to achieve 100% compliance from businesses this year.

Businesses are required to request identification from purchasers of alcohol if the purchaser appears to be younger than 26 years old. Businesses can be held accountable if they distribute, sell or otherwise make alcoholic beverages available to a person who is not 21 years old. Failing to assure the proper age of the purchaser may result in the issuance of a citation for violating Oregon Revised Statute 471.410 – Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor. Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor is a Class A Violation punishable by monetary fines of up to $440.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, alcohol is the drug of choice among America’s adolescents, used by more young people than tobacco or illicit drugs. Underage alcohol consumption in the United States is a widespread and persistent public health and safety problem that creates serious personal, social, and economic consequences for adolescents, their families, communities, and the Nation as a whole.

For additional information about this underage alcohol sale operation, please contact Lt. Darryl Wrisley at 503-635-0250.