3 Merced businesses sold alcohol to minors in sting, police say

Merced police say three local restaurants sold alcohol to minors during a sting operation Thursday conducted by police officers and the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The operation used juvenile “decoys” to enter Merced businesses that are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages and attempt to purchase them. The juveniles are supervised by the officers during the operation, according to a Merced police press release.

Strings Italian Cafe, Turmeric Indian Cuisine and Chipotle Mexican Grill all sold alcohol to the juvenile decoys.

Merced businesses that did not sell alcohol to the juvenile decoys during the sting were: Wingstop, El Asadero Taco Shop, Sweet River Grill and Bar, Ostioneria Guadalajara, Black Bear Diner and Fina Estampa, according to the release.

Businesses who sold alcohol to a juvenile will have administrative action taken against them, which may include a fine, suspension of the liquor license, permanent revocation of the license, or all of those measures, police said.

“It is encouraging when the stores check identifications and refuse to sell alcohol to minors,” said Sgt. Don King said in the release. “This will help keep Merced’s youth safe.”

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s, according to the release.

When the program began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When decoy operations are conducted on a routine basis, police say, the rate has dropped in some cities to as low as 10 percent or even lower. In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that businesses with liquor licenses are complying with the law.

Funding for the program was provided by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Along with four officers from the Merced Police Department, two agents from ABC assisted with the sting operation.

This story was originally published February 2, 2015 at 11:22 AM with the headline "3 Merced businesses sold alcohol to minors in sting, police say."