Mountain View, CA – The Mountain View Police Department, along with agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), cited one clerk for selling alcohol to a minor on Friday, April 10. The actions were the result of a Minor Decoy operation. Under the direct supervision of department agents, the minor attempted to purchase alcohol from five retail licensees in Mountain View.
Clerks who sell to a minor face a minimum fine of $250, in addition to 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. ABC may also take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where the violation occurred. Such actions include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.
“Conducting these operations allow us to help reduce underage drinking and increase public safety,” said Lieutenant Alan Corpuz.
“Licensees should always check identification before selling alcohol,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “Our roadways and communities see improved safety when we prevent access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol.”
Statistics have shown that people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a vehicle collision than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the California since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50%. When operations are conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped to below 10% in some cities. In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of minor decoys is a valid legal tool of law enforcement to make sure that licensees are complying with the law.
Funding for the minor decoy program was provided by a grant from ABC through the police department’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program.
The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.
Media inquiries can be sent to PolicePIO@mountainview.gov.
