“These law enforcement operations work to keep the public safe and also to educate clerks and the public about underage drinking and the consequences of furnishing or selling alcohol to those under 21.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN MARCOS - On October 27, 2022, agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) conducted Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Operations at various locations in the City of San Marcos.

During the Minor Decoy operation, decoys under the age of 21 visited retailers at five locations and attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages. The decoy was able to purchase alcohol at one of those locations.

The clerk who sold to the underage decoy faces a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

The Shoulder Tap operation was conducted in front of two local liquor stores. Under the direct supervision of a peace officer, the underage decoys asked adults to purchase alcohol for them. The decoys indicated they were underage and could not purchase the alcohol. Of the 14 adults contacted, one adult purchased alcohol for the decoys. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

ABC conducts these compliance checks statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population.