BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Two people were arrested, cited, and released after allegedly purchasing alcohol for minors in southwest Bakersfield during a police operation.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on February 3, 2026, Bakersfield Police Department Vice Detectives, in partnership with California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), conducted a “Shoulder Tap” operation targeting adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21.
Police said the operation was conducted in southwest Bakersfield.
During the operation, BPD detectives and agents from ABC arrested two people for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors.
Both were later released at the scene with citations.
According to police, in a “Shoulder Tap” operation, 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 alcohol. 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.”
Police said in the release that 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% of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.