“This is just one of the many ways in which the law enforcement officers at California ABC work to protect our communities.  ABC agents often work nights and weekends, and undercover, to investigate illegal activity where alcohol is sold and/or served.  We thank them for working to protect the public.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN JOSE – On January 9, 2024, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and the San Jose Police Department arrested three suspects for furnishing alcoholic beverages to someone under the age of 21.

SJPD and ABC conducted a Shoulder Tap operation which targets adults who purchase alcohol for people under the age of 21. A decoy 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, 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 Joseph 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. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking.