What is a behavioral clue indicating minors may be gathering for alcohol purchase?

Gathering in groups is a strong behavioral clue that indicates minors may be preparing to purchase alcohol. Minors often feel more comfortable when they are in a group, which can lead to them conspiring together to buy alcohol, making it easier to conceal their intentions. This behavior is significant because it increases the likelihood that they may attempt to engage in illegal activities, such as attempting to purchase alcohol together and relying on one another for support to evade detection by staff.

Individually shopping or walking alone does not typically suggest a coordinated effort to purchase alcohol, and leaving the store quickly may not necessarily indicate an intention to purchase at all; it could simply be due to a variety of reasons unrelated to alcohol. Therefore, the group dynamic is the key indicator to be aware of in order to identify potential illegal alcohol purchasing behavior among minors. Recognizing this behavioral pattern is crucial for sellers and servers in preventing underage alcohol sales.