VENTURA COUNTY – On August 25, 2022, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a minor decoy operation in the City of Camarillo.  During a decoy operation, a person under the age of 21 is sent into an establishment to purchase alcohol.

During the operation, 14 businesses, including three major grocery stores, were investigated to verify the sale of alcohol to minors was not occurring.  Clerks at two business, Centro Market and La Bodega, sold alcohol to the decoy.  The sales clerks at both locations were contacted by ABC agents and issued citations.  The businesses, if convicted, could face fines of up to $3000 dollars for the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.  All businesses investigated later receive written notification of the results of the operation.  Twelve of the businesses were compliant and did not sell alcohol to the decoy during the operation.

“Kudos to those who checked IDs and refused to sell alcohol to the decoy in this operation.  These operations serve to educate, but also to hold accountable those who serve or sell alcohol to those under 21.  The sale or service of alcohol to those under 21 can lead to some pretty devastating circumstances for all involved.  Thank you to our public safety officers who work to keep us safe.”