“These operations work to educate the public and to keep alcohol from being consumed by those under 21.  Underage drinking can lead to bad decision-making, assaults, DUI, injuries and death.  We thank ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners for working to protect the public in this manner.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

NEVADA COUNTY – On January 19, 2023, agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), along with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, arrested a suspect for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. The arrest was the result of decoy operations conducted in Penn Valley and Grass Valley.

ABC agents and local law enforcement officers conducted a Shoulder Tap operation which targets adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21. A decoy under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol. The decoy also indicates they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, they 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 Deputy 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.