Sheriff's Department conducts minor decoy operation aimed at local businesses

The minor decoy program uses supervised individuals under the age of 20 who attempt to purchase alcohol at licensed premises.  Any sale of alcohol to a minor decoy may result in criminal and administrative sanctions for the employee and licensee.

Kings County Deputies, ABC Agents, and decoys visited 21 retail establishments within Kings County.  Seventeen of the establishments did a commendable job and used proper protocol as the minor decoy was denied alcohol at each location.  Deputies obtained violations at four of the locations, and the employee was issued a citation for selling alcohol to a minor.

The following locations sold alcohol to a minor decoy:

CVS Pharmacy; 574 W. Lacey Boulevard, Hanford

Kwik Break; 19520 Grangeville Boulevard, Lemoore

Grangeville Market; 14020 Grangeville Boulevard, Hanford

Eagle Feather Trading Post #2; 40103 CA-33, Avenal

The Kings County Sheriff’s Department says 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 project is part of the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control’s Alcohol Policing Partnership Program.