LBPD Cites Over 60 Persons For Alcohol-Related Crimes At LB's Recent Pride Festival; Police Also Shut Down All Alcohol Related Sales An Hour Early Due To What PD Says Were Alcohol-Related Problems

Editor's note: On May 29, LB Lesbian & Gay Pride Inc. issued a statement in response to the release text quoted below. LBREPORT.com reported the statement at this link.

(May 20, 2014) -- LBPD cited over 60 individuals for alleged alcohol related crimes at LB's recent Pride Festival and, due to what police say were alcohol-related problems, shut down all alcohol sales one hour early.

In a release today (May 20), LBPD states:

The Long Beach Police Department's Vice Investigations Section works closely with investigators from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to enforce ABC laws during large special events in Long Beach. On Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, 2014, an undercover operation was conducted at the Pride Festival.
The "Minor Decoy" operation targeted the sales of alcohol to minors inside the venue. Minors under the age of 21, under the supervision of ABC, attempted to purchase alcohol from the alcohol distribution points. Over half of the distribution points sold alcohol to the minors.
Outside the event, in the parking lots and city streets, detectives looked for people drinking in public, adults supplying alcohol to minors, minors in possession of alcohol, and any other alcohol related crimes. In total, over 60 were cited for [alleged] alcohol related crimes. Due to the problems related to alcohol, all sales of alcohol were shut down one hour early.
ABC investigators received a tip regarding illegal activity occurring inside the 7-11 at 805 East Ocean Boulevard. Investigators discovered the business was [allegedly] operating in violation of their ABC license and they were issued a citation.
These operations are conducted with the community's safety in mind. The L.B.P.D. will continue to enforce ABC laws during large special events throughout the city and wants to remind everyone that there are consequences for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Anyone wishing to report illegal behavior relating to the unlawful sale of alcohol should contact the Vice Investigations Section at (562) 570-7219. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

LBREPORT.com Senior Producer/Community Correspondent Joe Mello reports that at the May 16 Dyke rally at Bixby Park, the organizers made it a point to announce to the crowd that LBPD wanted to remind participants that alcohol was not allowed in the Park.

Up to 80,000 people are estimated to have attended various Long Beach PRIDE weekend events, of which the Festival was one..