SACRAMENTO– On May 17, 2024, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced that, to date this year, ABC agents have conducted 32 special event operations at concerts, festivals, and sporting events throughout California. During those operations, agents arrested or cited more than 350 individuals for various violations, including minors in possession of fake IDs, minors in possession of alcoholic beverages, alcohol sales without a license, and various health and safety code violations.

ABC agents, along with their local law enforcement partners work to ensure licensed premises, including large venues, are safe and operating in accordance with the law.

“Our goal is to help create a safe environment for all attendees by preventing underage drinking and illegal alcohol sales that can lead to serious public safety risks,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “ABC’s partnership with local law enforcement agencies is an essential component to the success of these operations.”

The most common violations ABC finds during special event operations include fake identification, minors in possession of alcohol, adults furnishing alcohol to minors, and vendors illegally selling alcohol without a license.

Illegal alcohol sales at these types of venues pose a public safety concern, as IDs are sometimes not checked. Underage drinking has numerous negative effects and is the main contributing factor in vehicle collisions for persons between the ages of 16 to 20.

“We appreciate the efforts of ABC agents at these events and note that many of them are at night and on weekends.  We thank ABC agents for giving up time with their family and friends to conduct these operations that often happen during holiday weekends,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.