Targeting the teen drinking problem in Tulsa

Tulsa Police are fighting teen drinking by going undercover. They're conducting a sting operation, targeting local convenience stores selling beer to kids. <br/><br/>Here's how it works. An

Thursday, August 5th 2004, 5:47 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Police are fighting teen drinking by going undercover. They're conducting a sting operation, targeting local convenience stores selling beer to kids.

Here's how it works. An undercover officer and an underage buyer head into the store. The minor doesn't carry ID, so if he comes out with beer, uniformed officers waiting a few blocks away move in, and the clerk is given a $300 citation.

Tulsa Police Sgt Matt Kirkland: "If their clerk is doing this really they're lowering the standards of the community they're giving these kids a place to go and buy the alcohol and putting everybody in danger.â€

The operation is part of "Project Under 21", a federally funded program to combat underage drinking.

Police say they try to hit all stores evenly, but will go back to trouble spots.

The Tulsa Sheriff's Office is targeting the problem as well.