“It’s a simple task to check a customer’s ID, yet some clerks do not.  By conducting these types of decoy operations, ABC agents, along with local law enforcement officers not only identify and cite those clerks who are selling to underage customers, but the agents and officers work to educate licensees and their employees.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

REDLANDS- On March 24, 2023, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and Redlands Police officers cited two clerks for selling alcohol to someone under the age of 21.  The citations were the result of a Minor Decoy operation in which a decoy under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of ABC agents, attempted to purchase alcohol from 10 retail licensees in Redlands.

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

“Conducting these operations allow us to help reduce underage drinking and increase public safety,” said Interim Chief of Police Rachel Tolber.

“Businesses should always check IDs before selling alcohol,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “Preventing access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol improves safety on our roadways and in our communities.”

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a vehicle accident than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).