Governer Hochul Charges Over 550 for Fake ID's and Underage Drinking

The seasonal assault on the use of fraudulent identity to purchase hard liquor in New York State conducted by the Motor Vehicles Department was announced by Governor Kathy Hochul today to have resulted in the issuance of tickets to more than 550 individuals. The enforcement campaign known as Operation Prevents primarily focuses on music venues because young people frequently attempt to acquire alcohol with fraudulent IDs at these events. Investigators from the DMV collaborate with local law enforcement and establishments that provide alcohol to prevent drunk driving and the subsequent risk of driving while intoxicated.

The statement was made by Governor Hochul, who stated that "New York has so many amazing places for live music, but we want visitors to celebrate them securely." "By increasing the intensity of our enforcement operations, we will make it more difficult for New Yorkers under the age of 21 to buy alcohol and reduce the likelihood that they will get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. I am thankful to the Transportation department and its partners for their attempts to assist and guarantee the safety of New Yorkers, particularly our young people, who are of the utmost importance. I am grateful to them for their efforts."

The Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, Mark J.F. Schroeder, stated, "Investigators from the DMV are trained to identify fake identification cards and use cutting-edge technology to confirm an ID's legitimacy; consequently, it is pointless to spend money on counterfeit identification cards. If you are under the age of 21, we strongly encourage you to refrain from consuming alcohol and enjoy the music instead of putting your life, as well as your safety and the safety of others, in danger."

Vincent Bradley, chairman of the State Liquor Authority, stated, "Drinking alcohol while underage can lead to risky behavior, which in turn can have harmful and potentially lifelong repercussions. The SLA has maintained its dedication to achieving its goal of preventing underage individuals from obtaining access to alcohol by continuing to collaborate with our partners in the Department of Motor Vehicles and local law enforcement. Throughout the summer, we worked together to further our mission of discouraging both companies from selling alcohol to minors and young people in New York City looking to buy alcohol using fake IDs. Our goal is to prevent underage drinking."