“ABC agents work with their local law enforcement partners to target underage drinking in an effort to keep all of us safe.  Providing alcohol to someone under 21 is no favor to anyone.  A simple and polite ‘no’ can be life-saving.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

EMERYVILLE – On November 11, 2024, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and Emeryville police officers arrested a suspect for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. The arrest was the result of a shoulder tap operation conducted in Emeryville.

Shoulder tap operations target adults who purchase alcohol for underage people. A minor, under the direct supervision of a peace officer, stands outside a liquor or convenience store and asks patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for an underage person, agents can arrest and cite them 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 perform 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 drunk driving crashes.”

Statistics show minors have a higher rate of drunk driving crashes than adults. About 25 percent of alcohol-related crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can also increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromise health, and result in unintentional injury and death.