A recent sting operation in Camarillo has put local business owners on notice after several establishments were caught serving alcohol to underage patrons. On December 8 agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control joined forces with the Camarillo Police Department’s Community Resources Unit to conduct a minor decoy operation. The goal was simple: to ensure that licensed establishments are strictly following the law and protecting the youth in the community.
Undercover Decoys Put Servers to the Test
During the operation, a minor decoy under the age of 21 entered several business establishments under the direct supervision of law enforcement. The decoys sat at the bar and attempted to order alcoholic beverages, and as required by the program, they would not lie about their age if asked. While many businesses passed the test, three well known local spots failed to verify the identification of their customers.
Employees at Applebee’s and Take Five Cocktails were found to have furnished alcohol to the decoy without properly checking their age. Both servers were cited at the scene and released. A separate incident at Cronies involved an underage female patron who was being furnished alcohol by an adult friend. In this case, the server failed to ask for identification from either individual, and the underage patron was discovered to be in possession of a fake driver’s license.
Legal Consequences and Public Safety
The fallout from the operation has resulted in several citations. The underage female at Cronies was cited for possession of a fake ID and being a minor in possession of alcohol. Her friend and the server were both cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. Law enforcement officials emphasized that these operations are a vital tool in reducing alcohol related crimes and preventing the fatal crashes that often stem from underage drinking.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly twenty five percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking. ABC Director Paul Tupy noted that by keeping alcohol out of the hands of youth, the department can significantly increase the quality of life and safety in local communities. Establishments that continue to violate these laws risk losing their alcohol licenses and facing substantial fines from the state.
Continued Vigilance in Camarillo
The Camarillo Police Department has made it clear that this was not a one time event. The Community Resources Unit plans to continue working with state agents to educate local business owners and enforce the law through regular decoy operations. They are encouraging any residents who have knowledge of adults furnishing alcohol to minors or businesses disregarding the law to contact the Sheriff’s Office. Callers can remain anonymous while helping to keep the neighborhood safe for families and young people alike.