SAN DIEGO COUNTY - On November 19, 2021, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department conducted both “minor decoy” and “shoulder tap” operations at various locations in the communities of Santee and Lakeside.  Under the supervision of agents and deputies, an underage decoy tested retailers at five locations, attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages inside their establishments. No locations sold alcohol to the decoy.

The “shoulder tap” operation was conducted in front of five local retail liquor stores in which a teenager asked adults to purchase the teen alcohol. The teen made it clear she/he was under 21 years of age and could provide the money. Twenty-three adults were contacted and each adult decline to purchase alcohol for the teen.

“What a successful operation!  These operations on a regular basis work to educate clerks and customers alike, and reduce the chances of underage individuals consuming alcoholic beverages,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Good work by law enforcement, clerks and the community!”