EMERYVILLE– On February 13, 2026, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and the Emeryville Police Department cited two clerks for selling alcohol to someone under 21.  The law enforcement officers conducted a minor decoy operation in which agents and officers supervised a person under 21 who attempted to buy alcohol at eight retail locations in Emeryville.

“We would like to see every clerk who sells alcohol checking IDs to prevent the sale of alcohol to those under 21,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “This is precisely why these operations are conducted, to identify and cite those clerks who are disregarding that one simple task.  Checking IDs is a simple way to protect us from underage-drinking related crimes that can include assaults, DUIs, and vehicle crashes.”

Clerks who sell to a minor face 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. 

“Licensees should always check identification before selling alcohol,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “Our roadways and communities see improved safety when we prevent access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol.”