(Delano) –In a three month investigation, undercover California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents made drug buys inside the El Rancho Grande restaurant  in Delano leading ABC to revoke the restaurant’s liquor license.

ABC agents worked in conjunction with Delano Police, Bakersfield Police, the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and  Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).   Together they formed a task force and arrested four people for illegal drug sales and possession at both El Rancho Grande and at People’s Café # 2, another restaurant in Delano.  Agents made multiple purchases of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.

The People’s Café license was revoked in October, 2012 as a result of the Accusation filed against it for illegal drug activity and illegal drink solicitations.  The illegal drink solicitation scheme involved bar servers who placed a surcharge on alcoholic beverages in exchange for keeping male patrons company.

ABC and the Delano Police Department initiated the investigation after receiving complaints of possible illegal activity.

“ABC agents work daily to enforce the alcoholic beverage control laws in this state, ” said Alan Barcelona, president of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA).  CSLEA represents ABC agents along with nearly 7,000 other law enforcement, public safety and consumer protection professionals who work for the State of California.  “They work nights, weekends, undercover, whatever it takes to keep people, neighborhoods and events safe.  They routinely tackle underage drinking, they help conduct DUI checkpoints and even stings targeting  prostitution.  Many Californians  don’t recognize the great work of ABC agents in our Golden State.”

When a liquor license is revoked, the business can no longer sell or serve alcoholic beverages.