“Adults who purchase alcohol for someone under 21 are not doing anyone any favors.  It’s against the law and can be a contributing factor to DUI and other alcohol-related crimes and incidents.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

EUREKA – On February 26, 2025, the Eureka Police Department announced the results of two Shoulder Tap operations conducted during the month of February within the city limits of Eureka.

The first operation, conducted on February 13th, resulted in the arrest of one suspect for furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia, and having an outstanding warrant. The second operation, conducted on February 21st, resulted in two suspects being cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors.

California ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners routinely conduct  Shoulder Tap operations, which targets adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21. A minor under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol. The minor also indicates they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, they 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.”