SACRAMENTO – On January 19, 2022, the Sacramento Police Department announced the results of a December 9, 2021 Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation conducted by Sacramento police officers and California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents. During the operation, officers and agents arrested six suspects for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. One suspect was also found to be in possession of a loaded firearm during the operation and arrested on multiple firearms violations.

The operation was conducted in the north area of Sacramento. Under the supervision of officers and agents, a decoy under the age of 21 asks patrons at ABC-licensed businesses to purchase alcohol for him or her. The decoy makes it clear that he or she is underage and cannot purchase alcohol. If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, agents and police then cite and release them for furnishing alcohol to the minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

“These types of operations are an important step in keeping our communities safe and our young residents from harm.  In addition, they help to educate the public about the dangers and consequences associated with furnishing alcohol to minors,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Thank you to the ABC agents and local officers who work together to conduct operations such as this one.”

ABC protects communities through education, prevention, and enforcement programs designed to increase compliance with California’s alcoholic beverage laws.