TORRANCE – On August 20, 2026, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents, along with Torrance Police Department officers, cited three clerks for selling alcohol to people under the age of 21. The citations were the result of a Minor Decoy operation in which a decoy under the age of 21 and under the direct supervision of agents, attempted to purchase alcohol from five retail licensees in the city of Torrance.

“Three of the five clerks tested failed to check ID and allowed the sale of alcohol to the underage decoy.  That is not the results we want from these operations.   It is a simple thing to ask for ID and simply deny the sale to underage customers.  The simple act of verifying the age of someone purchasing alcohol can go a long way toward public safety,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.

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.

“Conducting these operations allow us to help reduce underage drinking and increase public safety,” said Chief R. Dunn of Torrance Police Department.

“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.”