“This is an example of why California ABC agents work to prevent alcohol sales and the furnishing of alcohol to young people under the age of 21.  ABC agents work throughout the entire state to prevent tragedies such as this by conducting undercover operations at bars, restaurants, and stores that sell alcohol.  In addition, they investigate how and where underage drinkers who are later involved in deadly crashes, got the alcohol that was consumed.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

POTTER VALLEY – On April 25, 2024, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced it has suspended the license of Hopper’s Corner Saloon in Potter Valley after an employee furnished alcohol to a group of underage customers who were subsequently involved in a deadly car crash on December 26, 2022. Alcohol sales are prohibited for 20 days.

ABC opened a TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies) investigation immediately after the crash to determine the source of the alcohol the underage driver consumed. ABC agents determined that Hopper’s Corner Saloon server Fabio Serra furnished the alcoholic beverages. After leaving the bar, Samuel Caldwell, 18, drove his vehicle under the influence of alcohol and crashed. The car crash killed one passenger and injured two other passengers.

“Preventing underage drinking is a public safety priority,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “We want to remind licensees and employees to check IDs carefully and help keep Californians safe.”

ABC sought disciplinary action against the saloon’s alcoholic beverage license for furnishing alcohol to a minor and furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor causing great bodily injury or death. In response to the accusations, the licensee signed a settlement agreement. Under the agreement, the license is suspended for 20 days.