“It’s discouraging that some adults think nothing about the consequences of buying or furnishing alcohol to someone under 21.  It’s not a favor to someone, it’s a crime.  These shoulder tap operations work to educate the public and put a stop to underage drinking.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

EMERYVILLE – On May 30, 2024, agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), along with Emeryville Police Department officers, arrested three suspects for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors.

 
The agents and officer conducted a shoulder tap operation in Emeryville which targets adults who purchase alcohol for someone under the age of 21. During a shoulder tap operation, 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 alcohol for him or her. The decoy also indicates he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.
 
If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for an 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, reduce DUIs and prevent serious injuries on our roads.”
 
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.