| Updated: 10/22/2012 10:13 am |
Published: 10/19/2012 9:33 pm
|
Local law enforcement is making their presence known at Oktoberfest to keep beer out of teen hands.
FOX23’s Dontaye Carter followed Tulsa County Sheriff deputies as they patrolled the event for two hours.
Sergeant Bob Darby says he wants to make sure everyone knows authorities are around.
“Our presence is our deterrence,” he said.
Darby says he looks close at the body language of people coming up to buy alcohol. It’s how he spots people underage who are trying to drink beer.
“True signs of someone underage is they look up and see you looking and they turn and start talking to someone else,” Darby said.
It’s no secret, there’s beer all around Oktoberfest. Darby told FOX23 even if someone looks like they are the legal age, he still has to check.
“If they look like they’re under 30, I’m going to stop and talk to them and check their I.D. because you know it’s hard to tell,” the Tulsa County Deputy said.
That is the kind of effort; mothers like Julie Nesterenko, appreciate most.
“When I was a teen I did see a lot. (The) Different parties going on, teens being able to drink,” she said. “I have an almost seven year old. I wouldn’t want to see him drinking before he’s 21.”
Law enforcement is making sure underage drinkers know they are there. A teen caught drinking could lose their license until they are 21.
“In years past, we had a real problem with it. i think everybody knows we watch for it now,” said Assistant Director of Security Bob Randolf.
“You got new families coming in, let them know there is a law enforcement presences
here,” said Darby.
Oktoberfest wraps up on Sunday.
