RIVERSIDE COUNTY – On January 26, 2025, agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office cited two clerks for selling alcohol to someone under the age of 21. The citations were the result of a Minor Decoy operation conducted at seven retail stores.

In the Minor Decoy operation, law enforcement officers closely monitored a decoy who is under the age of 21 as the decoy attempted to purchase alcohol at seven retail locations.  Clerks at two of those locations allowed the sale of alcohol to the decoy.

Those who sold alcohol to the decoy face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, a suspension or the permanent revocation of the license.

In addition to the Minor Decoy operation, ABC agents and deputies also conducted a Shoulder Tap operation. Twenty-two patrons were contacted by the decoy; however, none of the patrons agreed to purchase alcohol on behalf of the decoy.

A Shoulder Tap operation targets adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, agents then arrest and cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

“We applaud the 22 citizens who said no when they were approached by the decoy and asked to purchase alcohol for someone under 21,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “It is hoped that every clerk would check a customer’s ID when selling alcohol.  It is unfortunate that some clerks don’t.   This is why these operations continue to be necessary.”