Enforcement Effort Focuses on Fake ID Use at Concert Venues
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has begun its annual effort to stem underage drinking by checking for fake IDs at concerts this summer throughout New York. The annual Operation Prevent campaign kicked off this month at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles investigators will be joined by investigators from the State Liquor Authority, State Police, State Park Police, and local law enforcement.
“There is nothing like seeing live music, indoors and outdoors, in New York’s many great concert facilities,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “We want everyone to enjoy these events safely, which is why we are there to prevent underage drinking and the crashes that often can follow. Our experts can easily spot a fake ID so they are not worth your time and money. We appreciate the venues across the state that work with us on this campaign.”
The underage drinking enforcement details will continue through the summer at concert venues across the state.
Last year, 307 people were cited and 349 fake IDs were seized.
“The State Liquor Authority is proud to support Governor Kathy Hochul’s public safety agenda by partnering with the DMV on this important initiative,” said State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan. “We thank Commissioner Mark Schroeder and his team for partnering with our Enforcement staff in this annual effort to help prevent underage drinking and ensure a safe, enjoyable summer concert season for all New Yorkers.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “With warmer weather and summer on the way, we encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of all the fun activities planned for their communities. But we also ask that people do so responsibly, and that includes taking steps to discourage underage drinking. We will be working diligently with our partners to prevent the use of fake IDs, along with the needless tragedies that can result from underage drinking.”
Chief Michael Daddona of the New York State Park Police said, "The New York State Park Police are committed to the prevention of underage drinking and will continue to work with our partners in and around our state parks to further address this issue. The safety of our patrons and employees is our number one priority and by identifying fake IDs, we can ensure that concertgoers of all ages remain safe at our venues throughout the concert season.”
Operation Prevent enforcement efforts will be conducted at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, CMAC in Canandaigua, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse, as well as other locations where underage concertgoers are likely to gather.
If someone under 21 is found to be using a fake ID or someone else's ID to buy alcohol, they can be ticketed and their license can be suspended or revoked for 90 days 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.
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Operation Prevent is an important annual effort that helps keep young people safe from the consequences of underage drinking. Alcohol use by those under 21 can lead to a number of health problems, including a higher risk of addiction, and it is vital that we take precautions to reduce these potential harms.”
New Yorkers struggling with addiction, or whose loved ones need assistance, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports website.
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