Police Departments in numerous Jersey Shore communities, including Absecon, Avalon, Barnegat Township, Beach Haven, Belmar, Egg Harbor Township, Harvey Cedars, Jackson Township, Lake Como, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Lavallette Boro, Long Beach Township, Lower Township, Manchester Township, Neptune Township, Neptune City, North Wildwood, Ocean Gate, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Boro, Sea Isle City, Seaside Heights, Ship Bottom, Spring Lake Heights, Toms River Township and Wildwood have announced an initiative aimed at catching minors trying to buy alcohol at the Jersey Shore this summer.
The police departments will receive funding for the “Cops in Shops” program, which allows officers to work undercover at retail locations to help catch underage patrons trying to purchase alcohol or adults buying alcohol for minors, according to the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

These officers will work undercover either inside or outside of New Jersey liquor stores watching for underage buyers or adults purchasing alcohol for underage drinkers.

In New Jersey, drinking underage or providing alcohol to minors could be punishable by up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Establishments selling to minors risk losing their license for a period of time, depending on the number of offenses. In addition, minors caught drinking risk the loss or postponement of their driving privileges.

The experienced New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys of Schwartz & Posnock can represent you in the New Jersey Municipal Court if you or your business are charged with drinking underage or providing alcohol to minors