“It’s disheartening to learn that a third of the establishments investigated to ensure alcohol was not being served to people under 21, failed.   It’s a quick and simple thing to check IDs.  We thank California ABC agents and their fellow law enforcement officers for working to educate servers, as well as enforce the law.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

VENTURA COUNTY – On February 20, 2026, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents and deputies from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU), conducted a Minor Decoy operation in the City of Thousand Oaks.  A person under the age of 21 years old was used as a decoy to enter licensed establishments with the intent of purchasing alcoholic beverages. The decoy attempting to make the illegal purchase of alcohol, is dressed conservatively, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller.  All questions asked by the seller to the decoy are answered honestly. The decoy is supervised by deputies from DEU and ABC agents during the entire process.

Nine licensed business establishments were investigated to verify the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors was not occurring. Three businesses sold alcohol to the minor decoy.   After the alcohol was sold to the minor, the employee was contacted by ABC agents and issued citation for a violation of California Business and Professions Code 25658 (a) – Furnishing Alcoholic Beverage to a Minor. 

In addition, ABC may take administrative action against the license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. Administrative actions may include fines, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.

The establishments in which the decoy was served were:

Azar’s Sports Bar & Grill                                            Newbury Park                              

PJ’s Sports Pub                                                            Thousand Oaks                           

Islands Fine Burgers & Drink                                    Newbury Park