On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) conducted an undercover minor decoy operation. The program uses supervised individuals under the age of 20 who attempt to purchase alcohol at licensed retail establishments. Any sale of alcohol to a minor decoy by a licensee subjects the employee and the licensee to criminal and administrative sanctions.
The enforcement team visited eight alcohol retail premises within the City of Santa Monica. One citation was issued for violation of the Business and Professions Code prohibiting the sales/furnishing of alcohol to a minor.
The Minor Decoy Program has proven to be an effective tool in promoting responsible practices in the sales of alcoholic beverages by licensees, reducing substance abuse and enhancing community welfare by limiting underage access to alcohol.
This operation is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's Minor Decoy/Shoulder Tap Grant Project funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
