Nine Suspects arrested for furnishing alcohol to minors, three clerks cited for selling alcohol to minors
“There was a lot of publicity leading up to St. Patrick’s Day and the weekend prior to it about underage drinking and law enforcement operations targeting those who sell to or buy alcohol for minors, yet still, these operations held throughout the state, netted many arrests and citations.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
CLOVIS – On March 13-14, 2026, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents, along with the Clovis Police Department, conducted two operations targeting underage drinking.
On March 13th, during a minor decoy operation, agents and officers cited 3 clerks for selling alcohol to minors. Decoys under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of agents, attempted to purchase alcohol from 11 retail licensees in the City of Clovis. Clerks at eight retail locations declined the sale after checking IDs.
Clerks cited for selling 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.
“Licensees should always check identification before selling alcohol,” said ABC Director Paul Tuby. “Our roadways and communities see improved safety when we prevent access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol.” The following day, ABC agents and Clovis Police officers arrested nine suspects for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors during a shoulder tap operation 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.
