“We appreciate the work of ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners as they target underage drinking which puts people at risk. These operations work to prevent vehicle accidents as well as crimes committed by some youths while under the influence of alcohol.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
SANTA CLARA – On November 3, 2023, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents worked with the Santa Clara Police Department in arresting four suspects accused of furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. Agents and officers conducted a shoulder tap operation at three locations throughout Santa Clara.
During the operation, which targets adults who purchase alcohol for people under the age of 21, an underage decoy stood outside of a liquor or convenience store and asked customers to buy alcohol. The decoy made it clear that he/she was not able to purchase the alcohol because of age.
“Underage drinking harms our community. Preventing the sale of alcohol to minors will help to increase public safety and make our roads safer,” said Chief of Police, Pat Nikolai.
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.
