Community
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Minor Decoy Operation
| Nature of Incident: | Minor Decoy Operation | ||||
| Location: | City of Thousand Oaks |
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| Date & Time: | February 10, 2023 | ||||
| Unit(s) Responsible: | Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) |
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| Narrative: Agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and deputies from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) have cited three adult clerks, one female and two males, for selling alcohol to minors on February 10, 2023. The actions were the result of a Minor Decoy Operation in which minors under the direct supervision of department agents attempted to purchase alcohol from nine ABC licensed businesses in Thousand Oaks. The clerks worked for three businesses: CVS locations at 2791 Agoura Road and 60 N. Moorpark Road and Rancho Liquor at 75 S. Rancho Road. The clerks were contacted by agents and issued citations after selling to the minors. Clerks who sell alcohol 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. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A Minor Decoy Operation involves a person under the age of 20 years old who enters establishments and attempts to purchase alcohol. The minor decoy appears young, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller. The decoy is supervised by peace officers during the entire process. DEU will continue to work with ABC Agents and other entities to educate and enforce underage drinking laws. Anyone who knows of establishments who sell alcohol to minors can call the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 654-9511. People who call can remain anonymous. |
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| Prepared by: | Sergeant Jonathan James | ||||
| News Release Date: | February 14, 2023 | ||||
| Media Follow-Up Contact: | Sr. Deputy Danny Lopez 805-371-8338 Detective Robert Thomas |
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| Approved by: |
Captain Dean Cook |
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Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511