DMV investigators and law enforcement will check for fake IDs at summer concert venues across the state.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced the start of a summer crackdown on the use of fake IDs to purchase alcohol at concert venues statewide. Operation Prevent, led by DMV investigators, works to prevent underage drinking or worse – driving while intoxicated. Throughout the summer of concerts, they will work closely with investigators from the State Liquor Authority, State Police, State Park Police and local law enforcement at venues across the state.
Underage drinking enforcement details began on June 13 and will run through September 17. During that time, a total of 28 underage drinking enforcement details were scheduled at concert venues across the state.
“Our investigators are well trained to spot fake IDs, and we’ve added security measures to make our driver’s and non-driver IDs increasingly difficult to counterfeit,” he said. DMV Commissioner and Chairman of the Governor’s Transportation Safety Committee Mark JF Schroeder said. “You might think we’re trying to spoil your fun, but it’s no fun being locked up in a hospital, jail or mortuary for a night of drinking while you’re underage.”
Obtaining a fake ID also increases a person’s likelihood of identity theft. In addition to traffic safety risks, underage drinking poses serious threats to the health and development of young people.
OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, “Underage drinking has serious short- and long-term consequences, and these efforts are an important way we can educate young people about the risks of underage drinking and help them avoid any negative consequences. Operation Prevent is making a real difference in New York State and helping Support our efforts to address underage drinking.”
Will be at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre, Lake Darien Performing Arts Center, CMAC in Canandaigua and Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse and where underage concertgoers may gather “Operation Prevent” enforcement sweeps elsewhere. Customers under the age of 21 who are caught purchasing alcohol using a fake ID or someone else’s ID could be ticketed and their license could be suspended or revoked for at least 90 days or Up to one year.
Last year, more than 550 people were fined during a seasonal crackdown on using fake IDs to buy alcohol. A total of 580 false documents were seized. There were 505 fines issued for attempting to use false ID and another 46 for breaches of the Alcohol Beverages and Control Act.
Fan Lili, chairman of the National Liquor Administration, said, “We want all New Yorkers to enjoy summer concerts and support our amazing venues across the Empire State. We urge everyone to do so responsibly, too. To prevent underage youth from alcohol exposure and to keep everyone safe, This summer, the State Liquor Authority is proud to partner with other state agencies and local law enforcement in support of Operation Prevent.”
New York State Police Commissioner Steven A. Nigrelli said, “While we want everyone to enjoy the joyous celebrations of summer, we want them to do so responsibly. New York State will not tolerate underage drinking and the use of fake IDs to purchase alcohol. State Police will work hard with us Collaborate with our partners to deter, detect, and apprehend underage users, and prevent the needless harm and tragedy that this illegal behavior can cause.”
Col. Michael Daddona of the New York State Park Police said, “As we enter concert season, our Park Police team will support the DMV’s preventive efforts to keep all concert-goers safe at our venues and parks. We hope this effort to stop underage drinking will send a strong message message that drinking alcohol and using fake IDs is not worth the risk.”
Operation Prevent is supported by the Governor’s Transportation Safety Committee. The commission coordinates traffic safety activities in New York and provides federal highway safety grant funding to local, state and nonprofit agencies for projects that improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries from crashes.
New Yorkers battling addiction, or a loved one who is struggling, can call the state’s toll-free 24/7 hotline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (short code 467369).
Available addiction treatment, including crisis/rehab, inpatient, inpatient, or outpatient care, can be found using the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supportive Treatment Availability Dashboard at Find AddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports website.
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