Governor Cuomo Announces Results of Underage Drinking Crackdown at Summer Concerts
Hundreds of Arrests and ID Confiscations During Targeted Enforcement ActionsOperation Prevent Sweeps Deter Underage Drinking and Make Roadways Safer Across New York State
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recenty announced the results of coordinated sweeps
during the summer concert season to crackdown on underage drinking across
the state. Investigators arrested 411 people for underage drinking and
confiscated 437 fake identification documents during these events. The
Operation Prevent sweeps were carried out by DMV investigators in conjunction
with local law enforcement, the State Liquor Authority, New York State
Police, and New York State Parks Police to deter underage drinking in
local communities and make roadways safer across New York.
"Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions with potentially life
altering consequences, or worse,"
Governor Cuomo said. "These sweeps help in preventing avoidable tragedies, as well as
send a strong message that we have zero tolerance for this reckless behavior
in New York."
Governor Cuomo previously
announced the sweeps in June. To ensure that the public, especially New York’s
youth, remain safe and well-protected during the summer concert season,
coordinated state agencies cracked down on underage drinking at the Saratoga
Performing Arts Center, Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, Canalside in
Buffalo, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Genesee County, CMAC in
Canandaigua, and Nikon at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island, for a total
of 411 arrests and 437 fake identification documents seized. Results,
broken down by venue, are available below:
Venue |
Arrests |
Documents Seized |
Buffalo Harbor Canalside Concerts |
34 |
28 |
CMAC in Canandaigua |
54 |
37 |
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center |
115 |
130 |
Lakeview Amphitheater |
59 |
47 |
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater |
62 |
72 |
Saratoga Performing Arts Center |
87 |
123 |
Total |
411 |
437 |
Operation Prevent
Operation Prevent is a yearlong DMV initiative that targets not only concerts,
but bars and drinking establishments, events, and other underage hot spots.
During an Operation Prevent sweep, state investigators work with law enforcement
entities to check identification documents. Patrons under the age of 21
found to be using fake IDs or false documents with the intent of purchasing
alcohol can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of
90 days or up to one year.
In recent weeks, DMV investigators began conducting coordinated sweeps
in college towns as the fall semester gets underway, an effort announced
by Governor Cuomo in
August. DMV, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services,
the New York State Liquor Authority and the New York State Police are
aligning resources to prevent underage drinking and build upon the Governor’s
commitment to protect college students and increase safety on college campuses.
DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan
said, "As DMV wraps up another summer of deterring underage drinking at
summer concerts, we are already hard at work to keep young people on college
campuses safe across New York. I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership
in these efforts to ensure traffic safety, and am proud to continue DMV’s
commitment to deterring underage drinking year round."
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "Our Troopers witness first-hand the tragedies that occur as a result
of underage drinking, all of which are preventable. The State Police will
continue to work with our partners to apprehend underage drinkers and
those who serve them, and most importantly, save lives in the process."
State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said, "The SLA remains committed to reducing underage drinking through
education and training as well as working with state and local law enforcement.
DMV should be commended for their successful, proactive enforcement efforts
over the summer to protect both our communities and young New Yorkers
from negative outcomes that far too often result from underage drinking."
State Park Police Chief David Herrick said, "State Parks has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking in
our facilities. I’m grateful for the united efforts of law enforcement
across the state to keep park visitors and concert-goers safe, and to
reduce the number of intoxicated drivers on the roadways."
Last year, Governor Cuomo issued a
warning to returning college students on the dangers of buying fake IDs over the
internet. In recent years, DMV investigators have found dozens of examples
of underage license holders becoming victims of identity theft after purchasing
fraudulent identification online from overseas companies.