“All of us can do our part to keep members of our community safe by not furnishing alcohol to those under the age of 21.  Whether it’s at a home, in front of a convenience store, or at a venue where alcohol can be purchased – saying no, protects lives.  Thank you to ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners for helping to educate the public and for enforcing the law.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

CLOVIS – On January 2, 2026, agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and officers from the Clovis Police Department arrested two suspects for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. The operation was conducted in Clovis.

The agents and officers conducted a shoulder tap operation which targets adults who purchase alcohol for someone under the age of 21. A minor under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and askscustomers to buy them alcohol. The minor alsoindicates they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. 

“Underage drinkingharms our community. Preventing the sale of alcohol to minors will help to increase public safety and make our roads safer,” said Clovis Police Corporal Russ Moring.

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.

“ABC conducts these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “We can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUI’s by preventing underage drinking.”

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers.