MERCED – On October 23, 2025, California Alcoholic Beverage Control agents and officers with the Merced Police Department conducted a Shoulder Tap Operation targeting individuals who are willing to buy alcohol for an officer-supervised person under the age of 21 who solicits help in making the purchase.

Under the direct supervision of the officers and agents, minor decoys stood outside local businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and asked adults entering the stores to purchase alcohol for them.

The minor decoys approached 19 adults at five different businesses. Two adults, ages 46 and 59, purchased alcohol for the minors during the operation. The adults were cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor and then educated on the importance of not purchasing alcoholic beverages for minors.

“Kudos to the 17 adults who refused to purchase alcohol for someone under the age of 21.  We thank California ABC agents and Merced PD for working to educate the public and helping to keep our communities safe,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.