“It’s important for ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners to conduct these operations to educated the public that it is not okay to furnish alcohol to underage people.  Not only is it not okay, it’s against the law, and the fine is a hefty one.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

REDDING – On April 24th, 2026, the Redding Police Department, in partnership with agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), conducted a Shoulder Tap operation within the City of Redding.

A Shoulder Tap operation targets adults who purchase alcohol for individuals under the age of 21. During the operation, a minor working under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside a liquor or convenience store and asks patrons to purchase alcohol on their behalf. The minor clearly states they are underage and unable to legally buy alcohol.

Adults who agree to purchase alcohol for a minor may be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. This violation carries a minimum penalty of a $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

During the operation, 17 individuals were contacted by minors requesting alcohol purchases. Three individuals chose to furnish alcohol to the decoy, one of them was booked for an outstanding felony warrant and all three were charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Statistics show that individuals under the age of 21 face a significantly higher risk of being involved in traffic collisions than older drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking.