Press Release - 08-12-2016

News Release - NYS DMV & Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 12, 2016

 

Contacts:
Joe Morrissey             [email protected] 
Pamm Lent                 [email protected]

 

ERIE CANAL HARBOR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TEAMS UP WITH NEW YORK STATE DMV TO MINIMIZE UNDERAGE DRINKING AT CANALSIDE 
Four fake IDs confiscated at last night’s “Lowest of the Low” free concert

 

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), working cooperatively with Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), today announced four arrests during the latest round of Operation Prevent sweeps, which are designed to deter underage drinking in local communities and keep New York’s roadways safe. On Thursday, August 11, investigators from DMV’s Division of Field Investigation teamed up with the Buffalo Police Department to conduct a sweep at Canalside in Buffalo at the “Lowest of the Low” free concert, during which four fake IDs were confiscated. Governor Cuomo announced in June that the state would continue to conduct Operation Prevent sweeps during the summer concert season to ensure that the public, and especially New York’s youth, remain safe and well-protected.

“We applaud ECHDC for being proactive to deter underage drinking at Canalside events and DMV is eager to assist in that effort. The Canalside concerts draw thousands of people to downtown Buffalo looking to have a great time – including young adults. Our Operation Prevent sweeps seek to discourage underage young adults from using fake IDs to obtain alcohol,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “Underage drinking has real consequences, and sometimes it is a matter of life and death. We want young fans attending Canalside concerts to enjoy the music and get home safely without using fake IDs.”


“Safety is our top priority at Canalside,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. “Our security team and servers have been working vigilantly to minimize underage drinking. We thank the DMV for strengthening that effort by bringing its Operation Prevent sweep to the site and reinforcing the message that underage drinkers are not welcome at Canalside.”


Operation Prevent is a DMV initiative conducted year-round that targets not only concerts, but bars and drinking establishments, events, and other underage hot spots throughout the state. During an Operation Prevent sweep, DMV investigators work with state and local law enforcement 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. 


Operation Prevent investigations are funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to deter underage drinking and keep New York’s roadways safe. DMV also conducts operations at the request of bar owners, law enforcement, and the SLA in larger cities and college towns. Last year, Governor Cuomo announced a similar statewide crackdown at concert venues that included SPAC, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, and CMAC in Canandaigua. This year, Operation Prevent has expanded to additional venues, including Nikon at Jones Beach Theater and the Lakeview Amphitheater.


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