“Minor decoy operations targeting clerks who sell alcohol to people under 21 are important to public safety and public education.  We all know the risks and crimes associated with underage drinking.  The simple act of checking IDs helps to keep all of us safe.  ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners work to identify those who furnish or sell alcohol to minors.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

THOUSAND OAKS – On March 22, 2024, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and deputies from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) conducted a minor decoy operation in the City of Thousand Oaks targeting businesses that sell alcohol to customers under 21 years of age.

 During the operation, a decoy under the age of 21, attempted to purchase alcohol at 11 businesses, including major grocery stores.  At two of the businesses, a CVS Pharmacy and Latino Market and Grill, clerks sold alcohol to the decoy.  The clerks were contacted by agents and issued citations. In addition, the businesses could face fines of up to $3000 dollars for the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.

The decoy in this type of operation provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller. All questions asked by the seller to the decoy are answered honestly. The decoy is supervised by agents from ABC and deputies from DEU during the entire process.