“Checking IDs is the responsible thing to do in order to avoid serving or selling alcohol to someone under 21. It’s a simple act. Thank you to California ABC agents and their local law enforcement partners for conducting these operations in order to keep us all safe.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
CLOVIS – California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and Clovis Police Department officers cited a bartender for selling alcohol to someone under the age of 21 on January 14, 2025. The citation was the result of a minor decoy operation in which someone under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, purchased an alcoholic beverage.
During the January 14th operation, a decoy attempted to purchase alcohol from nine retail licensees in the City of Clovis.
The bartender cited now faces 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 to a minor. That may include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.
“Conducting these operations allow us to help reduce underage drinking and increase public safety,” said Clovis Police Corporal Sean Obrien.
“Businesses should always check IDs before selling alcohol,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “Preventing access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol improves safety on our roadways and in our communities.”
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.
