“Responsible, law-abiding citizens just say no when approached by someone under 21 who asks them to purchase alcohol.  It’s not a kind gesture, it is dangerous and against the law.  ABC agents work to protect our young people and to educate those adults who agree to make the purchase.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

Menlo Park— On May 12, 2023, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents, along with Menlo Park police officers, arrested and  issued five citations to people for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors and arrested one person for driving under the influence (DUI). The operation was conducted in the general vicinity of Menlo Park.

The agents and officers conducted a shoulder tap operation which targets adults who purchase alcohol for people under 21 years of age.  The operation involves a decoy under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of a peace officer who stands outside a liquor or convenience store and asks patrons to buy alcohol.  The decoy indicates that he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, agents then arrest and cite 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.

The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.  Statistics show they generally have a higher rate of drunk driving crashes than adults.  Studies also show that when youth are able to access alcohol, the chance of criminal activities increase.  According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromise health, and result in unintentional injury and death.