(S) 2 adult females
Narrative:
On March 22, 2024, ABC agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and deputies from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU), conducted a minor decoy operation in the City of Thousand Oaks. The minors, under direct supervision of department agents, attempted to purchase alcohol from ABC licensed businesses.
ABC agents and deputies from DEU organized the operation in the City of Thousand Oaks. A person under the age of 21 years old was used as a decoy to enter establishments with the intent to purchase alcohol. The decoy making the illegal purchase of alcohol dresses conservatively, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller. All questions asked by the seller to the decoy are also answered honestly. The decoy is supervised by agents from ABC and deputies from DEU during the entire process.
Eleven businesses, including major grocery stores, were investigated and two businesses, a CVS Pharmacy and Latino Market and Grill, sold liquor to the decoy. The clerks were contacted by agents and issued citations. In addition, the businesses could face fines of up to $3000 dollars for the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.
Underage drinking has multiple negative effects including damaging the brain from fully developing. Underage drinking is also the main contributing factor in vehicle collisions for persons between the ages of 16 and 20 years old. DEU will continue to work with ABC Agents and other organizations to educate and enforce underage drinking laws. Establishments who continue selling to minors could risk losing their alcohol sales licenses and additional fines. In addition, 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.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from ABC through the department’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program.
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