ABC Decoy Operation - North County

Santa Ynez, Santa Maria Valley - January 15th, 2008

Sheriff’s Deputies performed a decoy operation on January 12, 2008, in the County areas of Orcutt, Sisquoc, Los Alamos, Santa Ynez and Buellton.  Eighteen different off-sale alcohol licensed businesses were checked during the operation, resulting in two citations being issued to clerks who sold alcohol to a minor; the minor worked with Sheriff’s Deputies during the operation.

The minor used in the decoy operations appearance is under 21 years of age.  During the operation at each individual business, the minor in an attempt to purchase alcohol, would show the clerk his/her own valid California driver’s license or California Identification card when asked.

The two clerks who sold alcohol were issued citations for 25658 B&P – Sales of Alcohol to a Minor.  The clerks will face a minimum fine of $250.00, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service.  In addition to the criminal citations being issued to clerks who sold alcohol, the Alcoholic Beverage Control will be taking administrative action against the alcoholic beverage licensee.  These administrative penalties may include a fine, a suspension of the alcohol license, or the permanent revocation of the alcohol license.

The decoy operation is funded by a grant given to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Grant Assistance Program (GAP). The grant includes alcohol education to the businesses and inspections of the premises and was awarded in July of 2007. 

The Sheriff’s Department is thankful to the 16 locations that refused to sell an alcoholic beverage to the minor.  Decoy operations such as this one are helpful in identifying premises that are not following safe and legal practices in accordance with their alcohol licensing. 

-----

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Sgt. Alex Tipolt, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org