By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego County, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, conducted operations to prevent underage alcohol access at ABC-licensed establishments in Poway and Ramona.
During Thursday’s Minor Decoy Operation, a supervised minor attempted to purchase alcohol at five different locations. While most establishments complied with the law, one liquor store in Poway sold alcohol to the decoy. The employee responsible was cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor, an offense that could also result in fines or suspension of the establishment’s alcohol sales license.
In addition, a Shoulder Tap Operation was carried out outside three retail liquor stores. Under the supervision of a peace officer, a minor approached adults and asked them to buy alcohol, clearly indicating they were underage. Of the six adults contacted, none agreed to purchase alcohol for the minor. Furnishing alcohol to a minor carries a minimum penalty of a $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.
These compliance checks, conducted statewide by ABC, aim to reduce alcohol availability to minors, promote responsible sales practices, and limit underage alcohol abuse.
The operation was funded through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Alcohol Policing Partnership grant.
Community members with information about establishments selling alcohol to minors are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200. All tips can remain anonymous.
