“It’s important that adult citizens do their part to contribute to public safety by refusing to purchase or provide alcohol to those under 21.  We want to keep our young people safe from harm, and the public from harm that those under 21 may cause after consuming alcoholic beverages.  Thank you to California’s ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners for conducting these operations throughout the state.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

PENN VALLEY – On September 27, 2023, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of recent shoulder tap operations conducted with California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents in Penn Valley and Auburn. The law enforcement officers arrested one suspect on September 14th for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors.

Shoulder tap operations target adults who purchase alcohol for someone under the age of 21. During the operation, a decoy under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol. The decoy makes it clear he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

“Underage drinking harms our community. Preventing the sale of alcohol to minors will help to increase public safety and make our roads safer,” said Nevada County Sheriff’s Sergeant Andrew Liller.

If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, the adult can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.