CVS, Pavilions Cited For Selling Alcohol To Minors In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Two Santa Monica businesses were cited for selling alcohol to a minor after a minor decoy operation orchestrated by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The decoy operation had minors attempt to purchase alcohol at six retail licensees in Santa Monica while under the direct supervision of department agents. During the operation, officers said retail clerks at Pavilions at 820 Lincoln Blvd. and CVS at 500 Wilshire Blvd sold alcohol to the decoy.

The businesses face a minimum fine of $250 and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take action that could lead to a fine, a suspension of the license or revocation of the license.

"Minor Decoy operations hold accountable those who sell alcohol to minors," said ABC Director Eric Hirata. "Keeping alcohol away from youth is a priority."

ABC is conducting compliance checks statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. According to department officials, statistics show that people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population.

The penalty for buying alcohol for minors is a minimum of $1,000 and 24 hours of community service.

“We conduct these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” Hirata said. “By preventing underage drinking we can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUIs.”