Three clerks cited after decoy sting

Staff Report

 

 

Three clerks at different businesses in Solvang and Buellton were cited by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 19 for selling alcohol to a minor during a recent decoy operation.

The clerks were employed at Rite Aid, 616 Alamo Pintado Rd., Solvang; Carniceria La Mexicana # 5, formerly Azteca Market, 383 Avenue of Flags, Buellton; and Copenhagen Liquor, 1645 Mission Drive., Solvang.

Assisted by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Grant Assistance Program, Sheriff’s deputies performed a decoy operation on Dec. 14 in Buellton, Solvang and the surrounding area, contacting a total of 18 businesses.

In each instance the minor, working with agents, attempted to purchase alcohol and was asked to show a valid California driver’s license. In three businesses the clerk was presented a driver’s license by the decoy but the clerk still completed the sale of the alcohol.

The three clerks who sold alcohol were issued citations and face a minimum fine of $250 and, or, 24 to 32 hours of community service. Administrative action also is being taken against the three businesses that employed the clerks. Penalties may include a fine, suspension or permanent revocation of the alcohol license.

 

Representatives from Copenhagen Liquor and Rite Aid refused to give comment.

New owner of Carniceria La Mexicana # 5, Enrique Tovar said the liquor store has already taken steps to prevent the future selling of alcohol to minors.

“I’m the new owner of the store and the girl who was caught selling alcohol to a minor only worked for me a week. She got confused during the sell. I feel bad,” he said.

“We are trying to fix the issue,” he added. “We’ve already spoken with all our employees and the ABC. We’re not making it a practice, selling alcohol to minors.”

 Of the businesses that passed the decoy operation, Moris Samaan, owner of Houston’s Liquors, 485 Avenue Of Flags, Buellton, said signs warning minors that they cannot purchase liquor at his business are posted at the checkout area and by the entrance. “We don’t sell to underage individuals,” he insisted. “We obey the law.”

“We try to maintain a standard for all our employees so they clearly understand that they have to always follow this policy and we reiterate it on a weekly basis,” said Kim Jensen, general manager of Nielsen’s Market in Solvang.

 

“There’s a reputation that we have that we must maintain. It’s a group effort. So we try to cheer everyone on to let them know that they’re doing the right thing.”

“It’s typical for us to find some business or employees that are selling alcohol to minors,” said Sgt. Alex Tipolt, public information officer with the Sheriff’s Department.

“Last time we did this there were 19 locations checked in the Goleta area and three businesses cited.

It’s about average to see a couple of places that aren’t checking the licenses properly or unfortunately are just selling to minors.”