Undercover deputies in partnership with agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) conducted a drunk decoy operation in East County to check if restaurants or liquor stores will serve to a drunk person. Watch the video from CW6 to get a glimpse of the operation.
It is a misdemeanor in California to sell alcohol to someone who is obviously drunk. The ABC licensed establishment could be fined up to a $1,000 and face a suspension or revocation of the alcohol license. The person who serves or sells alcohol to a drunk person faces up to six months in jail.
Undercover deputies and agents conducted the operation in Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, and Jamul on Saturday, December 13th from noon through 6:00 p.m.
An undercover deputy entered a licensed establishment and acted obviously intoxicated. He smelled like alcohol, stumbled into the store, slurred his speech, dropped items, etc. He then attempted to purchase alcohol. If the clerk sold the undercover deputy alcohol, deputies and ABC agents entered the store to explain why the decoy shouldn't have been sold alcohol.
Of the eight locations visited, three sold to the decoy. This particular operation was for educational purposes only and no enforcement action was taken. These types of operations will continue through next year.
