REDDING – On June 7, 2024, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents worked with Redding Police officers on a minor decoy operation in an effort to reduce underage drinking.

During the operation, a decoy under the age of 21 attempted to purchase alcohol at 13 businesses in Fairfield.   At two of the businesses, clerks did not prevent the decoy from purchasing alcohol by checking an ID and denying the sale.  The decoy was able to purchase alcohol at Clear Creek Market (7036 Westside Rd.) and Power Market (1495 Lake Blvd.).

Store employees who sell alcohol to someone under 21 face 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 to a minor. That may include a fine, a suspension or the permanent revocation of the license.

“These minor decoy operations are an effective way to educate business owners, managers and their clerks, and to prevent the sale of alcohol to those under 21,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “We appreciate the work that California ABC agents conduct, alongside their local law enforcement partners, to keep us safe out on the roads and in our communities, and to protect young people from possible harm.”