On March 16 Ventura County deputies and California investigators from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control participated in a statewide operation called Decoy Shoulder Tap.

The operation involves minors, who are under police supervision, standing outside liquor or convenience stores and asking customers to buy alcohol for them.

Throughout California 300 people were cited on suspicion of agreeing to buy alcohol for minors, including two local residents: Donna Hilts, 53, of Thousand Oaks and Jordan Weal, 22, of Camarillo. Both citations were issued in Camarillo. A misdemeanor citation for furnishing alcohol to a minor carries a penalty of a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

In addition to the 300 citations, 93 people were arrested on various charges, including public drunkenness, driving under the influence and outstanding warrants.