Governor Hochul Announces Effort to Prevent Underage Drinking and Drunk Driving During Summer Concert Season

 

Department of Motor Vehicles Investigators will Check for Fake IDs at Popular Concert Venues

Enforcement Efforts Help Promote Healthier Choices Among Young New Yorkers and Enhance Safety on Roadways

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that state Department of Motor Vehicles investigators are conducting enforcement initiatives to stop the use of fake IDs for purchasing alcohol at summer concerts. Known as Operation Prevent, the effort also includes investigators from the State Liquor Authority, State Police, State Parks Police, and local law enforcement. During the campaign, enforcement sweeps are being conducted at venues across the state.

"Seeing live music is a wonderful experience, and New York has so many great venues all across our state, but I urge everyone to celebrate responsibly," Governor Hochul said. "We want New Yorkers to enjoy these events safely, and this enforcement effort will be crucial to helping prevent underage concertgoers from purchasing alcohol and potentially getting behind the wheel."

Operation Prevent enforcement sweeps will be conducted at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, CMAC in Canandaigua, and the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, as well as other locations where underage concertgoers are likely to gather.

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Our investigators are experts at detecting fake IDs. It may look realistic to you, but they know how to spot the telltale signs of a fraudulent document. We are not trying to ruin anyone's fun. We are trying to keep everyone safe."

State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said, "As underage drinking leads to reckless behavior that can result in dangerous, lifelong consequences, the SLA remains committed to working with our partners in the DMV and in local law enforcement to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage youth.  Working collaboratively, we can discourage both businesses from selling to minors as well as young New Yorkers attempting to purchase alcohol using fake IDs."  

New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "Underage drinking and the use of fake IDs by minors to purchase alcohol will not be tolerated. Safety is our top priority, and the New York State Police will be diligent in working to discourage, detect and apprehend underage users. I want to thank our partners for their shared commitment in putting a stop to underage drinking and the tragic impact that it can have."

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "Alcohol consumption by youth and young adults can have negative effects on their mental and physical health, and ability to make safe decisions. When it comes to underage alcohol use, parents and other caring adults are the most important influence. Make a plan together to help your family celebrate summer safely."

Customers under the age of 21 found to be using fake or another individual's IDs to buy alcohol can be ticketed and their licenses can be revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

Operation Prevent is supported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. The committee coordinates traffic safety activities in New York, and it awards federal highway safety grant funds to local, state, and not-for-profit agencies for projects to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes.