For Immediate Release

Sergeant Anthony Prencipe

In September of 2019, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office was awarded grant funding from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) – Office of Traffic Safety to conduct multiple enforcement, educational and prevention programs throughout the County of El Dorado.  The goal of this grant is to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors, and reduce alcohol-related crime.  This is done by increasing public safety, combating underage drinking and educating licensees about alcoholic beverage laws. 

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office along with Agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will be conducting Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Operations in and around licensed ABC establishments.  The Sheriff’s Office and ABC will be utilizing underage decoys in an attempt to solicit the purchase of alcohol to underage minors.

Those who sell to minors face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation.  In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor.  That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

To learn more about ABC programs that help protect communities, prevent alcohol-related harm, and save lives, visit https://www.abc.ca.gov/.