“Kudos to those clerks who are vigilant about checking IDs of younger customers to ensure that alcohol is not being sold to those under 21.  Thank you to the ABC agents who routinely conduct these operations to be sure clerks are complying with the law.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

KINGS COUNTY – On February 25, 2025, a California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agent, along with deputies from the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a minor decoy operation within Kings County.

​The minor decoy program uses supervised individuals under the age of 20 who attempt to purchase alcohol at licensed premises. Any sale of alcohol to a minor decoy may result in criminal and administrative sanctions for the employee and licensee.

​A total of 41 ABC licensed locations within Kings County were visited. Clerks at 38 of the establishments used proper protocol, asking for ID and denying the sale to the minor decoy. Violations occurred at three of the locations and the employee at each location was issued a citation for selling alcohol to a minor.

The minor decoy program has proven to be an effective tool in promoting responsible practices in the sales of alcoholic beverages by licensees, reducing substance abuse and enhancing community welfare by limiting underage access to alcohol.