Press Release: MCSO Arrests Subject For Furnishing Alcohol to Minor As Part of Statewide Shoulder Tap Operation
DATE/TIME: 3/25/26 at 1:30 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Arrest One Subject for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
SALINAS, CA – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Statewide Shoulder Tap Operation and arrested one suspect on Saturday March 14th, 2026 after he furnished alcoholic beverages to minors at a local business. The operation was conducted in Monterey County. A total of 20 people were contacted across four locations.
ABC agents and local law enforcement conducted a Statewide 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.
Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “Our partnership with ABC reinforces a clear and consistent message to our community: providing alcohol to minors is not acceptable and carries serious consequences. Through proactive enforcement and education, we are working together to prevent avoidable tragedies and keep our youth safe.”
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.
“ABC conducts these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “We can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUIs by preventing underage drinking.”
Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.
About the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.