ESCONDIDO–Two Escondido businesses were cited for selling alcohol to minors in a decoy operation conducted by the Escondido police department.
The “Minor Decoy” operation involves a minor, working under the direction of a police detective, entering various businesses in Escondido and attempting to purchase alcohol. The minor tried to purchase alcohol from eight different businesses. Most of the businesses complied with the law by not selling alcohol to a minor. However, a 7-11 store at 1062 W. El Norte Parkway and Antonio’s Mexican Restaurant at 1755 E. Valley Parkway did sell alcohol to the minor. An employee at each store was given a misdemeanor citation for selling alcohol to a person under 21 years of age.
The decoy operations are a small part of the Escondido Police Department strategy to combat the dangers associated with underage drinking. Additional operations are planned for the coming months.
The Minor Decoy operations are funded with a grant from the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) through the Grant Assistance Program.