The Emeryville Police Department along with agents of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) cited two clerks at Emeryville businesses for selling alcohol to minors during a February 13 operation according to press release provided by the EPD.
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 six retail licensees in the City of Emeryville.
The businesses where these clerks were cited include Emeryville Market at 4330 San Pablo Avenue and The Public Bar at 5959 Shellmound.
These clerks face a minimum fine of $250, and between 24 and 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 allows us to help reduce underage drinking and increase public safety,” said Emeryville Police Chief Jeff Jennings.
“Businesses should always check IDs of youthful customers before selling alcohol,” added ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “Preventing access to those who are not old enough to legally purchase alcohol improves safety on our roadways and in our communities.”
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).
Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped to below 10 percent in some cities. In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of minor decoys is a valid legal tool of law enforcement to make sure that licensees are complying with the law.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
