BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Three people were arrested, cited, and released after two Shoulder Tap operations in Bakersfield targeted adults purchasing alcohol for minors.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, and Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, Bakersfield Police Department Vice Detectives, in partnership with California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), conducted “Shoulder Tap” operations, targeting adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21.
Both operations were conducted in west Bakersfield. During the operations, BPD detectives arrested three people for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors.
All suspects were later released at the scene with citations.
Police said 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.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.