Alcohol, Tobacco Sales To Minors Targeted In Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A sting operation targeting retailers who sell alcohol and tobacco products to minors resulted in several citations, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The sting operation took place Thursday evening at eight retailers in South County. The sheriff's office used an undercover minor decoy who attempted to buy tobacco and alcohol products. The sting also included the minor asking two adults to purchase the items; both customers turned the decoy away, according to sheriff's Lt. Greg Lansdowne.

Stores that refused to sell to the undercover minor included Orchard Park Market, Rita Aide Aptos, Smart Smoke Shop, and Falcon Gas.

Retailers that illegally sold to the decoy included Harvest Moon Market, Cabrillo Liquor and Wine, Point Market, and Rio Liquor and Market, Lansdowne reported.

Store clerks from Harvest Moon Market and Cabrillo Liquor and Wine were issued citations and released with court dates for furnishing alcohol to a minor. Store clerks from Point Market and Rio Liquor and Market were issued citations and released with court dates for selling tobacco to a minor.

Decoys used in this type of operation are under 21 years of age and are under the direct supervision of deputies, according to Lansdowne.