Cops in Shops Returning To Jersey Shore for Second Year

New Jersey Attorney General John J. Hoffman and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control joined forces to reaffirm the state’s commitment to combating underage drinking this summer. This anti-underage drinking initiative is aimed at keeping alcohol away from minors while they’re partying down the Jersey Shore.

Under the “Cops in Shops” program, which led to 211 arrests last summer, local police officers will pose as store employees at participating retailers, or stand outside the business to intercept adults attempting to buy alcohol for minors. Thirty-five local police departments will participate in the program, after 28 departments joined in the effort last year. The cost will be approximately $81,000, paid by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Underage drinking and the ramifications that come from it has long been a problem in the state and the country. The U.S. Department of Health estimates that 5,000 minors (under age 21) die every year as a result of underage drinking. Almost 40 percent of those fatalities are from drinking and driving accidents. New Jersey has seen its fair slice of these stats, with approximately 650 teen driving accidents involving alcohol over the last decade in Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean and Monmouth counties.

The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control administers year-round “Cops in Shops” programs, which are available to all NJ police departments. The New Jersey Cops program has resulted in more than 10,000 arrests since its implementation in 1996.

John W. Tumelty has over 35 years of experience defending the rights of NJ residents facing DWI and underage drinking charges. If you or someone you love has gotten into trouble, contact the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty today.