“This operation resulted in a DUI arrest as well as citations issued to a clerk and three customers.  California ABC agents work with their local law enforcement partners to keep alcohol from those under 21 in order to protect the public out on the roads and in our communities.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

CAMARILLO – On June 27, 2024, agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and officers from the Camarillo Police Department Community Resources Unit (CRU) issued multiple citations to adults who either sold or furnished alcohol to someone under the age of 21.  The law enforcement officers were conducting a shoulder tap operation in which a decoy who is under 21 asks customers to purchase alcohol for him/her.

One of those cited was a clerk at Lantana Liquor who sold alcohol to a customer who was 20 years old and who was purchasing alcohol for the decoy.  The 20-year-old who purchased the alcohol for the decoy was the passenger of a vehicle that had arrived at the liquor store.  The vehicle was driven by another 20-year-old who, it was determined, was driving under the influence and was over the legal limit.  In addition, open alcoholic containers were inside the vehicle.  The 20-year-old driver was arrested for DUI by the California Highway Patrol.

During the decoy operation, two other men, 34- and 41-years old were cited for purchasing alcohol for the decoy.
 
Statistics have shown that young people under the age of twenty-one have a much higher risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash than older drivers.  About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).