PALM DESERT – On June 24, 2022, California Alcoholic Beverage Control agents and deputies from the City of Palm Desert Business District and Special Enforcement Teams conducted a minor decoy operation at nine bars and restaurants throughout the City of Palm Desert. The operation consists of law enforcement officers working with decoys under 20 years of age who attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed premises. During the operation, three servers were issued misdemeanor citations for violation of 25658(a) Business and Professions Code, Furnishing an Alcoholic Beverage to a Minor.

“Minor decoy operations are a very effective way to educate servers and investigate those who aren’t asking for identification when serving young people,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “We appreciate the partnership that ABC agents have with local law enforcement officers.  This joint effort works to keep the public safe and young adults from harm.”

Under a law passed by the state legislature in 1995, licensees face increased penalties for sales to minors. A first-time sale may result in a fine or license suspension. A second sale to a minor within a three-year period is an automatic license suspension. A third sale to a minor within a three-year period may result in license revocation.