Rocklin stores cited for alcohol sales to minors

On December 30, 2011, the Rocklin Police Youth Services Unit conducted a minor decoy sting operation in the City of Rocklin. Over a dozen convenience stores, supermarkets, and liquor stores were visited. Three establishments sold alcohol to a minor. Citations for selling alcohol to a minor were issued to clerks at the following licensed establishments:

• AM PM Minimart located at 6550 Fairway Drive
• 7-11  Store located at 4281 Sierra College Boulevard
• Thunder Liquor located at 3101 Sunset Boulevard

Alcohol related crimes tend to be prevalent during the holiday season and many of these crimes involve minors purchasing and consuming alcohol. Limiting a minor’s access to alcohol is a large part of preventing these crimes. Minor Decoy Sting Operations have proven to be effective at reducing licensed establishments selling alcohol to minors.  

During a police “Minor-Decoy Sting Operation,” a person under the age of 20, while under surveillance of a police officer, attempts to purchase alcohol from an establishment licensed to sell alcohol. The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) regulates the Minor Decoy Program.

Guidelines for Minor Decoy Sting Operations, which have been in effect since 1996, include:

1. The decoy is less than 20 years of age
2. The decoy displays the appearance which could generally be expected of a person under 21 years of age
3. The decoy shall either carry his or her own identification showing the decoy’s correct date of birth, or shall carry no identification;
4. A decoy who carries identification shall present it upon request to any seller of alcoholic beverages;
5. The decoy shall answer truthfully any questions about his or her age

Rocklin Police conduct random Minor Decoy Sting Operations to ensure our youth are protected and safe from the dangers of buying and consuming alcoholic beverages.