BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Two people were arrested, cited, and released for allegedly buying alcohol for minors during a BPD’s Shoulder Tap operation in downtown Bakersfield.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on Monday, May 11th, 2026, Bakersfield Police Department Vice detectives, in partnership with California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), conducted a Shoulder Tap operation.
The operation targets adults who purchase alcohol for people under the age of 21.
The operation was conducted in downtown Bakersfield.
Police said with 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.
Police said 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.
According to police, during the operation, BPD detectives arrested two people for allegedly furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. The two people were later released at the scene with citations.