Full Notification

On the evening of Sunday, June 12, the Sebastopol Police Department conducted educational minor decoy compliance checks. During this operation, a male decoy (age 18) attempted to purchase alcohol at fourteen different Sebastopol establishments. We are disappointed to report that thirteen out of fourteen establishments sold alcohol to the decoy.

While it is illegal to sell alcohol to a minor, no arrests were made. The purpose of the compliance checks was to educate employees on best practices in the sale and service of alcohol.

During this operation the decoy used a valid borrowed ID of a 26 year old male. While the majority of establishments (11) asked for proof of age identification, they did not look closely at the photo ID. After each attempt, the SPD officer spent time with the employee and manager to discuss best practices for looking at an ID to ensure that it is not a false ID, that it is valid, and that the photo on the ID matches the person who is attempting to purchase alcohol.

Only two of the fourteen employees had previously attended Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training. The Sonoma County Department of Health Services provides RBS training (free of charge) at various locations across Sonoma County, including Sebastopol. All trainings are open to anyone who registers. A Spanish training is also available.

RBS training provides information on state and local alcohol laws, liability for the employee and the business, skills training in how to identify a false ID, how to prevent alcohol sales to minors, refusing the sale of alcohol, what to do in the event of intoxication, and more. Participants come with a wide range of experience in the business of alcohol sales and service and have an opportunity to learn from one another.

Recent inspections of alcohol establishments in Sebastopol indicate that the majority of employees have not received RBS training. We recognize that there is employee turnover in the hospitality industry, which makes it even more important that all owners, managers and employees who sell or serve alcohol take the opportunity to participate in RBS training.

For further information, please contact Diane Davis at 508-6242