“By routinely conducting these decoy operations, ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners work to prevent underage drinking which can lead to harm.  In addition, it stresses to businesses and clerks the importance of checking IDs and the consequences of not.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

HOLLISTER – On April 3, 2024, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and Hollister Police Department officers cited two clerks for selling alcohol to minors. 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 law enforcement officers attempted to purchase alcohol from 18 retail licensees in Hollister.

Clerks who sold to the 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. That may include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.

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