Menlo Park Police Target Local Businesses in Alcohol Sting Operation

By Bay City News Service:

Twenty-seven liquor licensees complied with the law regarding the sale of alcohol to minors during a compliance check Sunday, police announced Tuesday.

Police conducted the checks using what’s called a Minor Decoy operation, in which a minor under the age of 20 and under the direct supervision of Menlo Park police officers, attempts to buy alcohol from licensed establishments in the city.

Police checked 27 establishments and each complied.

The check and others around the state are done to limit the availability of alcohol to minors.

The California Supreme Court ruled in 1994 that law enforcement officers are allowed to use decoys to ensure liquor licensees comply with liquor laws.

Minors must appear to be minors, must not wear clothes and jewelry to make them look like adults and must answer truthfully about their age if asked.

The Menlo Park Police Department paid for the operation with a grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

(Image via Shutterstock)