On Wednesday, authorities in Santa Clara County reported that numerous individuals were cited for either selling alcohol to minors or purchasing it on their behalf. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control collaborated with law enforcement in San Jose and Santa Clara to combat the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.

In San Jose on Tuesday, ABC agents apprehended three individuals accused of providing alcoholic beverages to minors in an operation known as the “shoulder tap” bust. This initiative focused on adults who buy alcohol for individuals under 21. San Jose Police, working in coordination with ABC, employed a decoy minor supervised by law enforcement to approach customers outside liquor or convenience stores and request them to purchase alcohol. Violators of this law face a minimum fine of $1,000 and are required to perform 24 hours of community service.

In Santa Clara last Friday, ABC cited three clerks for selling alcohol to minors. Decoy minors were deployed to various businesses selling alcoholic beverages to identify clerks who would complete the transaction. Santa Clara police indicated that a total of 17 businesses were tested in this manner. Clerks found selling alcohol to minors may be subject to a minimum fine of $250 and must complete between 24 and 32 hours of community service for a first offense. Additionally, ABC has the authority to take actions against the business’s licensing, imposing fines, suspension, or even permanent revocation of the license to sell alcoholic beverages.