VISTA–Deputies from the Sheriff’s Department Vista COPPS Unit and a decoy conducted a “Minor Decoy” Operation at various locations in Vista.
The operation targeted 15 locations, and involved minors decoys who solicited retailers and servers to purchase alcoholic beverages inside their establishments.
One of the locations sold or provided alcohol to the minor decoy and the servers were subsequently arrested for furnishing alcohol to minors (a misdemeanor offense).
Alcohol related operations such as minor decoy help reduce alcohol abuse and opportunities for minors to obtain alcohol.
Those who sold to the minor face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business.
Fines may include a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.
Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980’s.
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 in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.
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