“This was no doubt a long day and we appreciate the efforts of SLO PD and California ABC agents.  And kudos to the citizens and clerks in San Luis Obispo who are working to keep all of us safe by denying the sale or furnishing of alcohol to individuals under the age of 21.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN LUIS OBISPO – On Monday, January 12, 2026, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents partnered with San Luis Obispo Police officers to conduct both a Shoulder Tap and Minor Decoy operation.  

The Shoulder Tap Operation

During this operation a volunteer under the age of 21 and under the supervision of law enforcement, stood outside four different locations and asked 25 people entering a store if they would purchase alcohol for them.  Each individual approached by the volunteer declined to make the purchase.   

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. 

The Minor Decoy Operation 

During this operation a decoy under the age of 21 attempted to purchase alcohol at 19 different locations.  In most cases, the clerks checked ID and denied the sale.  However, at one location, Laguna Shell at 11590 Los Osos Valley Rd, a clerk sold alcohol to the minor decoy, despite viewing their identification card which indicated the decoy was 18 years old.  This clerk, was cited and released on a misdemeanor charge of furnishing alcohol to a minor, Business and Professions Code 25658(a). 

Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor 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.