On February 6, 2024, three individuals were arrested in Santa Clara for supplying alcohol to minors. The Santa Clara Police Department and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) conducted the arrests as part of a Shoulder Tap operation. This strategy targets adults who purchase alcohol for individuals under 21. The operation uses a minor, supervised by law enforcement, to ask customers outside liquor or convenience stores to buy alcohol for them, clearly stating they are underage.
Police Chief Pat Nikolai highlighted the need to prevent underage drinking. He stated it endangers community safety and leads to unsafe roads. Adults who buy alcohol for minors can be arrested and charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor. The offense carries a minimum fine of $1,000 and 24 hours of community service.
ABC Director Joseph McCullough agreed with Nikolai, stating the operations aim to prevent underage access to alcohol. He suggested that this could improve community life quality and reduce DUI incidents.