Illegal Alcohol, Tobacco Sales Nets 5 Citations In Santa Cruz Co.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A sting operation targeting businesses that illegally sell tobacco and alcohol products to minors netted five citations, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The Oct. 17 operation conducted by the sheriff's Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Unit used an undercover minor. Minor decoys are under 21 years of age and are under deputies' supervision, according to the sheriff's office.

During the Oct. 17 sting, the decoy attempted to purchase tobacco products and alcoholic beverages at seven locations in the North County area of Santa Cruz County.

Arros Country Store in Davenport and Felton Liquors in Felton did not sell to the minor.

However, five businesses did make sales:

• Cowboy Diner in Felton sold alcohol
• Taqueria Vallarta in Felton sold alcohol
• Round Table Pizza in Felton sold alcohol
• Valero in Felton sold tobacco
• Safeway online delivery in Felton sold alcohol and tobacco

Store clerks from Cowboy Diner, Taqueria Vallarta, Round Table and Valero were each
issued a citation and released with a court date for furnishing alcohol to a minor
(misdemeanor); the store delivery clerk from Safeway was issued citations for furnishing alcohol and tobacco to a minor (misdemeanors), according to the sheriff's office.