“We appreciate the continued efforts by California ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners to prevent underage drinking which can lead to dangerous and deadly consequences. Their work contributes to our safety out on the road and in our communities.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

NEVADA COUNTY – On December 21, 2023, agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and deputies from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) arrested two suspects for furnishing alcoholic beverages to someone under 21 years of age. The arrests were the results of shoulder tap operations conducted in Penn Valley, Grass Valley, and Auburn.

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 him or her  alcohol. The decoy also indicates 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 NCSO 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.

“We conduct these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” said ABC Director Joe McCullough. “By preventing underage drinking we can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUIs.”

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.