FRESNO - On March 9th, detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Task Force, along with agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), participated in the 8th Annual Statewide Shoulder Tap Operation across Fresno County. Approximately 69 law enforcement agencies, along with dozens of ABC agents across California, participated in this operation.

Detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office issued six citations. Five citations were given to individuals and one citation was issued to a store clerk who sold alcohol to a minor. Statewide, a total of 361 citations were issued and 16 people were booked into jail for offenses related to or discovered during the operation. The alcohol purchased for the minors will be held as evidence for the misdemeanor cases, but once the case has been adjudicated, the alcohol will be destroyed.

Shoulder tap operations involve a minor, under the age of 21, who is under the direction and observation of detectives. He or she hangs out in front of a liquor store and asks customers to purchase alcohol for them. If a person purchases alcohol for the minor, they are issued a misdemeanor citation for the violation. Those found guilty of furnishing alcohol to a minor face a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

The primary goal behind the statewide shoulder tap operation is to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking. Nationwide, more than 4,000 people under the age of 21 die each year as a result of DUIs, alcohol poisoning and other alcohol related incidents. The timing of the event is strategic, occurring just before the St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend and upcoming spring break sessions.


Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the Department’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (AAP) program. ABC is a special fund agency. Its budget and this program are funded entirely by license fees from the alcoholic beverage industry.