TEENS NEEDED TO DO UNDERCOVER WORK

Roanoke Valley teens looking to earn some extra money may be eligible
to work as special operatives for the Virginia Department of Alcoholic
Beverage Control.

The Roanoke office of the Virginia ABC is recruiting teens ages 15 to
17 for its underage buyer tobacco program and ages 17 to 19 for its
alcohol program.

As part of the program, the teens enter a store and try to make an
illegal buy. If asked, they show their own identification or state
their true age.

The young operatives are always accompanied by an ABC
agent.

Special Agent Alice Ratliff, who heads the statewide program for the
Roanoke office, said operatives must not look older than their age.
They also may not alter their appearance or mannerisms in a way that
makes them appear older.

Operatives must be willing to testify in court if necessary and are
paid $8.51 per hour for their work.