Police to Conduct 'Sting' Operations on Underage Drinking

WESTFORD, MA - The Westford Police Department received a grant that will allow them to perform "stings" and seek out hopeful underage drinkers in bars, restaurants and liquor stores, police said Thursday.

The $4,950 grant comes from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Grants are being awarded to 72 Massachusetts communities.

"Funds support compliance checks for minors in bars, restaurants and retail locations; reverse stings and 'Cops in Shops' programs; “shoulder tap” solicitations; surveillance patrols; and party patrols," police said in the announcement.

Over the past three years, the grant has led to 17 youth citations and 377 arrests. Citations were also issued to 574 adults and 249 adult arrests were made across the Commonwealth, police said.