In no way, shape or form should a restaurant or any other alcoholic beverage establishment be selling or serving alcoholic beverages  to people under the age of 21, so when California Alcoholic Beverage Control agents conducted an inspection at the El Popo Restaurant on Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville on October 18, 2013 and found two 17 year-olds consuming alcoholic beverages, they kept an eye on the place.

Five months later, in March 2014, ABC agents and Watsonville police conducted another inspection and found a 20 year-old who had been served and was consuming an alcoholic beverage.

As a result of those two investigations, on October 10, 2014, ABC agents posted a Note of Suspension at the restaurant, prohibiting  it from selling alcoholic beverages for 40 days.

“Selling or serving alcoholic beverages to those under 21 is not only against the law, it can and often does lead to risky, dangerous, and/or deadly activity,” said Alan Barcelona, president of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) which represents ABC agents.  “ABC agents are not only well-versed in California’s alcoholic beverage control laws, they are dedicated to protecting Californians, and those who visit California, by keeping alcoholic beverages out of the hands of the under-21 set.  In addition, they work side by side local law enforcement agencies to help with undercover stings and  investigations involving the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, neighborhood crime issues, internet gambling cafes, serving search warrants and participating in DUI checkpoints.  They are a valuable resource in California and often work nights, weekends and holidays to help keep us safe.”