Three Cited for Giving Alcohol to Minors in Novato Police Sting

By Bay City News Service:

Three people were cited Thursday for furnishing alcohol to a minor during a police sting in Novato.

Novato officers conducted the operation between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. at various locations in the city and used an underage decoy to try to purchase alcohol and have others purchase alcohol on the decoy’s behalf, police said.

Police said Ana Blander, 30, of Mill Valley, an employee at Smashburger, sold an underage decoy alcohol and was issued a citation.

The operation also targeted Ignacio Wine and Spirits and Creekside Deli, but the establishments did not allow the decoy to purchase alcohol, police said.

Officers also conducted a shoulder tap operation at three locations. During the operation, the underage decoy asked people to purchase alcohol for the decoy. Of the 12 people who were asked, two purchased the alcohol and were issued citations, police said.

Police identified the men cited as Calvin Parker, 24, and Alexander Botel, 27, both of Novato. The Department of Alcohol Beverage Control funded the operation.