1250 Broadway, 27th Floor New York, NY 10001

CUOMO CONCERT CLAMPDOWN

Governor Cuomo Announces Results of Statewide Crackdown on Underage Drinking and Fake IDs at Summer Concerts

New Detection Equipment Utilized for the First Time, Aiding Investigative Efforts at End-of-Summer Events Prevent Underage Drinking

Governor Cuomo announced the results from a statewide crackdown on underage drinking and fake identification at summer concerts and other underage hotspots, which netted 133 arrests and the confiscation of 63 false identification documents. Leading up to Labor Day, the unannounced enforcement actions were carried out at various concert venues and bars across the state by the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Division of Field Investigation in partnership with law enforcement agencies. The Governor previously announced the operation as part of a continued effort to deter underage drinking and discourage the purchase of fake IDs.

“Possessing a fake ID and drinking underage is not only illegal, but can also lead to bad decisions with life-long consequences," Governor Cuomo said. "By continuing to crack down on this reckless behavior we are seeking to both avoid needless tragedies and send that message that underage drinking just isn’t worth it.”

In addition to standard techniques employed by DMV investigators, during this crackdown they used a portable document scanning workstation for the first time ever. The document scanning workstation allows investigators to scan the IDs of individuals attempting to purchase alcohol and instantly detect alterations and counterfeits.

The results of Operation Prevent:

Location

Date

Event

Arrests

IDs Confiscated

Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

August 29

Rascal Flatts

20

7

City of Albany

September 3

n/a

8

8

Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

September 3

Luke Bryan concert

22

11

CMAC, Canandaigua

September 3

Dierks Bentley concert

10

1

Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

September 4

Luke Bryan concert

42

14

City of Cortland

September 4

n/a

23

14

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

September 6

Zac Brown Band concert

9

9



During these types of sweeps, anyone in possession of a fraudulent ID is arrested and their fake identity documents are confiscated. Individuals are charged with criminal sanctions and face administrative action that usually results in a suspension of their license for a minimum of 90 days. DMV conducted Operation Prevent sweeps in conjunction with the Albany Police Department, City of Cortland Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Park Police.

DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said, “Throughout the course of this coordinated crackdown on underage drinking and fake IDs, our investigators ensured that our young adults, and New Yorkers on the roads, were safe. We hope that our efforts continue to send the message that the use of fake IDs is unacceptable, and that underage drinkers breaking the law will be caught.”

Many individuals arrested for fraudulent driver licenses or identification documents purchase these documents over the internet from foreign companies. Not only is this illegal, but it also increases the chance of becoming victims of identity fraud and theft. More information can be found here.

DMV and the State Liquor Authority recently teamed up to educate bar owners, security personnel, and service staff of licensed establishments about new security features included on driver licenses, permits, and ID cards issued by the state. A new electronic brochure has been distributed to thousands of bar owners across the state that provides a description of the advanced security features in these forms of identification to make it easier for owners and staff at establishments with liquor licenses to authenticate them and identify fake IDs. Convenience store owners and law enforcement agencies have since been sent the electronic brochure.

These enforcement actions were supported by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to deter minors from abusing alcohol and driving while impaired. The legal drinking age in New York State is 21.

About DMV
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is a national leader in providing efficient, innovative, and responsive government services. The agency issues secure identity documents, delivers essential motor vehicle and driver related services, and administers motor vehicle laws enacted to promote safety and protect consumers. For more information, visit dmv.ny.gov, “like” DMV on Facebook, or follow @nysdmv on Twitter.

Categories: