“California ABC agents work to investigate underage drinking, as well as to educate the public, clerks and servers about the dangers of furnishing alcohol to those under 21. We thank them for working to keep all of us safe.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
SACRAMENTO– On February 13, 2026, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced that on January 8th, it suspended the license of Valley Inn (1744 Main St.) in Escalon, prohibiting alcohol sales for 25 days. The disciplinary action came after ABC found four minors were allowed to enter and consume alcohol, which led to a large fight on site.
ABC opened a TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies) investigation immediately after the incident to determine the source of the alcohol the underage persons consumed.
The investigation, conducted by agents from ABC’s TRACE Unit and Lodi District Office, determined that on March 8, 2025, four minors were allowed to enter Valley Inn and remain on the premises while consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. The minors were then involved in a fight consisting of multiple patrons which resulted in great bodily injury to several people as well as the minors.
“Restricting alcohol access for minors is critical to preventing incidents of this nature,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “Licensees must uphold their responsibility to serve lawfully and refrain from providing alcohol to underage individuals.”
If similar violations continue to occur at the premises at any time during the next year, ABC has authority to revoke the license.
