Enforcement effort targets underage drinking during Halloween weekend

California Alcoholic Beverage Control officials will be working with local law enforcement agencies to prevent underage drinking during this weekend’s Halloween festivities.

Officials said the enforcement effort will be broad-based, with agents checking on ABC-licensed businesses, large parties and adults who furnish alcohol to minors.

“Too many Californians are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes and incidents, and hopefully enforcement efforts will prevent tragedies from occurring,” ABC Director Tim Gorsuch said in a written statement. “By getting the message out now, we are reminding people of the potentially devastating consequences that can result from a poor decision during this holiday weekend.”

The effort is supported by a number of organizations that work to prevent underage drinking, including the California Friday Night Live Partnership, Alcohol Justice, Saving Lives Drug and Alcohol Coalition, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, according to an Alcoholic Beverage Control news release.

Agency officials also remind adults of legal drinking age to designate a non-drinking driver if they plan to participate in celebrations where alcohol is involved.

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 7:17 PM.