On Wednesday, May 15, officers from the City of Carlsbad Police Department, along with agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) conducted a Shoulder Tap Operation at various ABC-licensed establishments in the city. 

The Shoulder Tap operation was conducted in front of one local retail liquor store where a minor, under the direct supervision of a peace officer, asked adults to purchase them alcohol. The minor indicated in some way they were underage and could not purchase the alcohol. Six adults were contacted during the operation. No adults purchased alcohol for the minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

ABC conducts compliance checks statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. These operations help the community by promoting responsible practices in the sales of alcoholic beverages by licensees, reducing alcohol abuse by minors and limiting underage access to alcohol. 

This operation was made possible by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) grant.

Anyone with information on licensed alcohol establishments providing alcohol to minors are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or by calling the City of Carlsbad Police Department’s non-emergency line at (442) 339-2197.  Callers can remain anonymous.

For more information

Lieutenant Darbie Ernst, 442-339-2139, darbie.ernst@carlsbadca.gov 

Police media contact

Denise Ramirez, Public Information Officer, denise.ramirez@carlsbadca.gov