Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: eliciting minors

Since the minor will not be consuming the beverage. What harm is there in using the minor to trap a criminal? We'll there may be some risk to the minor. But I don't think that's the issue you're raising. And depending on what was said to induce the shop owner or clerk to sell to a minor, the defense of entrapment is a possible defense that can be raised at the trial.

Re: eliciting minors

Having read the two other responses I am supplementing their answer. California code, I don't recall the code section, specifically provides that the law enforcement officers can use minors to purchase tobacco or alcohol.