LAPD's "Safe Sip" Operation Nets a Dozen in Downtown LA for Unlicensed Alcohol Sales

Cracking down on illegal booze peddlers, the LAPD swooped in on downtown LA, rounding up a dozen for slinging alcohol without a permit, and some to minors, no less. In an initiative dubbed "Safe Sip," the Los Angeles Police Department's Operations Central Bureau executed a sting operation intended to stem the tide of unlicensed alcohol sales, which have seen a marked increase at event gatherings.

Throwing the book at street vendors, who were caught red-handed with coolers full of alcoholic beverages at LA Live events, the police targeted those bypassing regulations that keep the community safe. According to the LAPD News Release, the misdemeanor citations were handed out left and right in a span of just two hours on the evening of March 13th, sending a clear message that the city's streets aren't open markets for illicit hooch.

The operation not only bagged vendors for their unlicensed sales, but it also put the brakes on sales to underage drinkers, with six of those cited for handing over alcohol to individuals under 21 years old. As stated by the LAPD, unchecked alcohol sales present a danger, particularly to the youth and those who might already be too inebriated. The coordinated law enforcement effort included personnel from the LAPD's Commercial Crimes Division and support from the Central Traffic Division.

Enforcement didn't stop at the clink of handcuffs. While cracking down on alcohol-related offenses, officers from the Central Traffic Division were busy doling out a dozen parking citations along with half a dozen violations for moving infractions. One particularly unlucky law-breaker found their vehicle on the business end of a tow truck, impounded as part of the evening's comprehensive crackdown.