Kings County Sheriff's Department, ABC, conduct minor-decoy operation

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 charges and administrative sanctions for the employee and licensee.

The team of KCSO deputies and ABC agents visited 17 retail establishments within Kings County. Sheriff's officials say that 16 establishments did a commendable job and used proper protocol denying the minor decoy alcohol. 

A violation occurred at just one of the locations – Bravo Farms in Kettleman City – and the employee was issued a citation for selling alcohol to a minor.

According to law enforcement officials, the minor decoy program has proved to be an effective tool in promoting responsible practices in the sales of alcoholic beverages by licensees, reducing substance abuse, and enhancing community safety by limiting underage access to alcohol.

This project is part of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's Alcohol Policing Partnership Program.