For Immediate Release: July 14, 2026
OPD NEWS:
The Oakland Police Department's Alcoholic Beverage Action Team (ABAT), in collaboration with the City's Economic & Workforce Development department (EWD), arrested a Union City woman for illegally selling alcohol at Lake Merritt after a month-long investigation.
On June 19, 2026, ABAT officers and EWD staff investigated an unlicensed mobile alcohol vendor at 599 El Embarcadero. Officers seized the alcohol and warned the vendor she lacked all required state and local licenses to operate and that continuing without proper permits was unlawful. Investigators later found a publicly shared social media post showing she continued operating despite the warning.
On July 10, 2026, ABAT conducted a follow-up operation, where an underage decoy purchased alcohol from the vendor, who did not request identification. The vendor also sold alcohol to an undercover OPD officer in a separate transaction. During these sales, the vendor acknowledged that OPD had previously investigated her.
Officers arrested her for possessing and serving alcohol in a public park. A hostile crowd gathered, but officers maintained control and completed the arrest. Her vehicle, illegally parked on the park's grass, was found to have more than 75 outstanding parking citations; due to the crowd and per OPD policy, it was relocated before being towed.
After her arrest, she admitted she knew her operation was illegal and that she lacked the required permits. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail on charges related to unlawful alcohol sales.
OPD will continue to partner with EWD and other agencies to address unpermitted and unlawful activities, to ensure Oakland remains safe for residents and visitors.
