On April 15, 2021, Tualatin Police conducted an underage decoy operation. Underage volunteers attempted to purchase alcohol at establishments in Tualatin. Out of 10 establishments visited, a total of one sold alcohol to the underage decoy.

The goal of an underage decoy program is to reduce youth access to alcohol by encouraging licensees to verify that an individual purchasing alcohol is at least 21 years of age. The underage participants answer any questions about their age truthfully and do not use fake identification.

Sales clerks and servers who furnish alcohol to an underage person can be charged with a criminal penalty. A first conviction results in a $500 fine; second conviction, $1,000; third or subsequent conviction, $1,500 fine and not less than 30 days of imprisonment (ORS 471.410). For the non-compliant store/restaurant owner or licensee, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission may impose administrative sanctions and a possible license suspension or revocation.

The operation was funded by a grant from the Washington County Health and Human Services. The underage decoy operations will continue with the goal of achieving 100% compliance rate (no sales to youth) among Tualatin establishments. In addition to the underage decoy operation, Washington County Health and Human Services is also working with several local coalitions, such as Tualatin Together to prevent and disband unsafe social environments conducive to underage drinking. The groups hope to raise awareness about the dangers of binge and underage drinking, as well as discourage adults from providing alcohol for their kids and their kids’ friends.