“It’s an expensive penalty when one is convicted of furnishing alcohol to a minor.  That in itself should give people pause when they are approached by someone under 21 who is asking them to go into a store and purchase alcohol for them.  Thank you to ABC agents and their local law enforcement officers for continuing to conduct these operations, to educate the public, and to keep our young people and roads safe.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

REDDING— On September 25, 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, 12 individuals were contacted by minors requesting alcohol purchases. Two individuals were arrested for furnishing alcohol to a minor, one of them was booked for an outstanding felony warrant and both were charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor.