TORRANCE, CA — Three of five clerks tested during an underage alcohol sting in Torrance sold alcohol to a minor decoy, authorities said.
The operation was conducted Aug. 20 by the Torrance Police Department and California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, according to the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association.
A decoy under the age of 21, working under the direct supervision of authorities, attempted to purchase alcohol from five licensed retailers in Torrance. Three clerks were cited for making sales to the decoy.
Patch attempted to confirm the identity of the five businesses and the clerks cited, but had received no response by the time of publication.
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association President Alan Barcelona said the three clerks failed to check identification before allowing the purchases, according to the association's account of the operation
"Conducting these operations allow us to help reduce underage drinking and increase public safety," Torrance Police Chief Robert Dunn said in a statement.
A person who sells alcohol to someone under 21 can face a $250 fine and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first offense, according to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
ABC can also pursue disciplinary action against a business's license when alcohol is sold to a minor. Its penalty guidelines call for sanctions that can escalate for repeated violations, including license suspension and, following a third violation within 36 months, revocation.
ABC's Minor Decoy Program allows law enforcement agencies to use people under 20 to attempt to buy alcohol from licensed businesses. Decoys must appear younger than 21, truthfully answer questions about their age and show their genuine identification if they are carrying ID and a seller asks to see it.
The California Supreme Court ruled in 1994 that the use of minor decoys was not entrapment and did not violate due process requirements.
"Licensees should always check identification before selling alcohol," ABC Director Paul Tupy said. "Our roadways and communities see improved safety when we prevent access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol."
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