SAN FERNANDO — Authorities in San Fernando issued citations to three retail clerks for allegedly selling alcohol to minors.
The citations were issued on May 9 during a “minor decoy” operation conducted by personnel from the San Fernando Police Department and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, authorities announced Thursday.
The operation involved a “minor decoy” — a person under 21 — who, under the supervision of authorities, attempted to buy alcohol at 11 retail locations in the city, police said.
The clerks who were cited could face a minimum fine of $250, and 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, authorities may take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor, officials said. That may include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.
“Conducting collaborative operations like this demonstrates the San Fernando Police Department is serious about reducing underage drinking and increasing public safety,” San Fernando police Chief Fabian Valdez said in a statement.
Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher risk of being involved in a traffic crash than older drivers, authorities said.
About 25% of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the state department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
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