Revocation is the result of a TRACE investigation in which a teen was involved in a deadly crash
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
“Those who serve or sell alcohol can be such a force in preventing DUI related crashes and deaths with the one very simple but effective step of carefully checking I-Ds. When a life is lost due to a crash involving an underage drinker, ABC agents investigate where that underage drinker obtained the alcohol. These investigations and administrative action can take time but also work to prevent future tragedies.”
SALINAS – On June 20, 2024, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced it has revoked the alcoholic beverage license of Hacienda Grill in Salinas after an employee furnished alcohol to a 16-year-old who was subsequently involved in a deadly car crash on May 27, 2023.
The revocation is stayed one year to transfer the license with an indefinite suspension until the license is transferred. Alcohol sales are prohibited at Hacienda Grill indefinitely.
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 a Hacienda Grill server furnished the alcoholic beverages.
After leaving the bar, the 16-year-old drove his vehicle under the influence of alcohol on the wrong side of the road and crashed head-on into another vehicle, resulting in the death of a passenger in the other vehicle and injuring three others.
“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 Hacienda Grill 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 indefinitely with revocation stayed for a period of one year to allow for the license to be transferred.
