The Charleston Police department conducted the first “Shoulder Tap” on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Minors, with the guidance of the police department, approached people of age to purchase them alcohol.

Of the 12 people who were approached, nine were cited for purchasing alcohol.

Among those cited, an Eastern student was one that was asked by two minors outside of Gateway Liquors.

After being asked to purchase the minors a 12-pack of Keystone Light, he agreed to purchase the alcohol.

He placed the alcohol in the vehicle and then was stopped by three police officers.

He was given a citation with an unspecified amount.

The student plans to fight the ticket because of unlawful reasoning.

“They are setting people up. It’s pathetic. What I did was wrong, but they engaged me,”

said the student.

The department also conducted an alcohol regulation compliance check with 14 restaurants and bars within Charleston this past weekend.

The Station, Jerry’s, Stu’s, Lefty’s, Los Potrillos, El Rancherito, The Penalty Box, Roc’s, Kahuna’s, Charleston Lanes, Icy Mug, Uptowner, Marty’s and Ikes were all checked and passed the compliance check.

Sarah Bouchard, a staff member of Roc’s, was taught by the Charleston police department to look for certain facial structures such as dimples, nose shapes and smiling that would help to better identify if the person is underage.

“They also taught us that there are a lot of cues about they way people act when showing their I.D., things like eye contact or body language that would show they are uncomfortable and hesitant,” said Bouchard.

The department focused mainly on Illinois and neighboring state I.D.’s.

Bouchard was upset when she learned that people who change their hair color need a new I.D. each time.

Deputy Chief, Dave Chambers of the Charleston Police Department has said the department has received a lot of support from the alcohol retail establishments.

The departments main concern is to prevent underage drinking.

“We know for a fact intoxicated 18- and 19-year-olds are not nearly as responsible of those of age.”

In the past, underage drinking was a huge issue according to Chambers.

“Now we are seeing smaller groups and parties that are not bringing attention to themselves,” said Chambers.

The Charleston police department is working in conjunction with Eastern’s Office of Student Standards to help decrease the numbers of underage drinking among Eastern’s campus.

Chambers said this was the best group of students he has seen in 20 years.

Regarding the frequency of both the compliance check and ‘Shoulder Tap’, he was not willing to discuss.

Allison Twaits can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected]