Full Notification

On Friday, July 7, 2023, Novato Police conducted a Minor Decoy/ Shoulder Tap operation within the City of Novato as part of a grant through the Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program. 

During the Minor Decoy operation, a minor decoy, visited 5 retail establishments under the supervision of NPD officers and attempted to purchase tobacco products from each retailer. During the operation, no retailers sold tobacco to the underage decoy. 

The purpose of this operation was to encourage tobacco retailers to check identifications and refuse to sell tobacco products to minors in an effort to keep both our community and youth safe.

The same underaged decoy also participated in a “Shoulder Tap” operation. This operation targets adults who purchase tobacco products for minors under 21 years of age. Under the “Shoulder Tap” program, the underage decoy is within the direct supervision of a peace officer, who will stand outside a convenience store and ask patrons to buy them tobacco products. The decoy indicates in some way they are underage and cannot purchase tobacco. 

The decoy conducted the shoulder taps at 4 different locations throughout the city, and asked a total of 11 people to purchase tobacco products. 3 of the 11 people contacted, illegally purchased tobacco products for the decoy and were issued citations. 

The Decoy Program has been recognized as an effective method to resolve problems associated with the unlawful purchase of tobacco products by people under the age of 21.