When an employee at a Bakersfield restaurant served alcohol to a decoy who was under 21 years old, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents went in with a “no more chances” attitude.  ABC agents revoked the liquor license at Camino Real Restaurante on June 1, 2012, which means the restaurant can no longer sell alcoholic beverages.

“ABC agents know the dangers of underage drinking,” said Alan Barcelona, president of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA).  CSLEA represents 7,000 law enforcement, public safety and consumer protection professionals who work for the state of California, including ABC agents.  “ABC agents  had investigated this establishment before when a 20 year old had been drinking there prior to a car crash in which he died.”

ABC agents investigated the death of Leonel Del Toro, 20, following the May 8, 2010 crash and determined he had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages at Camino Real Restaurante before he died in an alcohol-related crash.

“When a major injury accident or a fatal accident involves  someone under 21 who has been drinking, our CSLEA members who are agents with ABC step in,” said Barcelona.  “They conduct a TRACE investigation which stands for Target Responsibility for Alcohol-Connected Emergencies, and find out where that underage drinker obtained alcohol.”

It is not just businesses that are held accountable.  If a family member or friend of an underage drinker is determined to have furnished him or her alcohol, and that underage drinker is then  involved in a major injury or fatal accident, charges can be filed.

Because Camino Real Restaurante served alcohol to someone under 21 while its liquor license was on a stayed revocation (similar to probation), the two violations resulted in the revocation of the license and the current owners may no longer sell alcohol at Camino Real Restaurante.