“California ABC agents do a tremendous job working alongside their local law enforcement partners to prevent underage drinking, to educated store clerks and customers, and in conducting compliance checks.  This helps to keep all of us safe!”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

CHULA VISTA – On April 22, 2025, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and the Chula Vista Police Department partnered together to conduct both a Minor Decoy and a Shoulder Tap operation aimed at combatting underage drinking.

During the Minor Decoy Operation, an individual under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, attempted to purchase alcohol at five retail locations.  One clerk was issued a citation for selling alcohol to the decoy.

Clerks who sell alcohol to someone under 21 face a minimum fine of $250 and 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC may take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.

“Selling alcohol to minors isn’t just breaking the law. It’s a concern for our community,” said Chief of Police Roxana Kennedy. “Operations like these send a message that selling alcohol to anyone underage will not be tolerated.”

“Businesses should always check IDs before selling alcohol,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “Preventing access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol improves safety on our roadways and in our communities.”

During the Shoulder Tap operation, ABC agents and Chula Vista Police officers arrested one person for furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor. The Shoulder Tap operation targets adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21. During this operation, 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 indicates he/she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.  If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, that 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.