FRESNO -  On August 16, 2018, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) suspended the alcoholic beverage license of Primo’s Family Market on  North Hughes Avenue in Fresno. The suspension will last indefinitely until the license is transferred to persons and a location acceptable to the Department. If no transfer of the license occurs within 180 days, the license will permanently be revoked.

On July 27, 2017, the Fresno Police Department was called regarding a shooting that occurred inside the market. The investigation revealed that an employee was drinking alcohol and gambling with people inside the market. Later the employee provided a weapon to an associate inside the market and a shooting occurred inside the market between rival gang members. This occurred when bystanders including a small child were inside the store.

Further investigation conducted by ABC agents and Fresno police officers revealed that the market employee gave conflicting statements and that people associated with the market’s employee were gang members. Through a partnership with the Fresno Police Department, ABC is able to take action and address issues like this which pose a risk to public safety.

“ABC agents are like silent heroes to communities that live with troublesome businesses that sell alcoholic beverages,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.   “They can assist local law enforcement officers and/or work independently to investigate violations of ABC laws.”

ABC protects communities through education and by administering prevention and enforcement programs designed to increase compliance with California’s alcoholic beverage laws.