The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reported a DoorDash delivery driver, an Inglewood resident, was recently cited for selling alcohol to a minor decoy.
The Sting Operation
Recently, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted a “Minor Decoy Delivery Operation” in partnership with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). They also collaborated with the Camarillo Police Department Community Resources Unit (CRU). They conducted this operation to address the issue.
This operation aimed to prevent minors from accessing alcohol by using popular delivery service applications. They used services such as Grub Hub, DoorDash, and UberEats. Under the supervision of law enforcement, a minor attempted to purchase alcohol through these apps.
The Offense
As part of the sting operation, law enforcement officers caught a delivery driver selling alcohol to a minor. The incident occurred on February 22, 2024, resulting in a misdemeanor citation for the driver. A first-time offender must pay a minimum fine of $250 and complete 24-32 hours of community service.
Regulatory Advisory
In April 2020, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued a warning to licensees regarding deliveries. They emphasized the legal obligations of licensees and warned about third-party delivery services selling alcohol to minors. This warning is relevant to a recent incident that occurred.
Responsibility of Licensees
Licensees are responsible for delivering alcohol outside their licensed premises, as the California Department of ABC states. If a delivery driver from a third-party service delivers alcohol to a minor, the California Department of ABC may discipline the licensee’s license.
It is crucial for delivery drivers and businesses selling alcohol to prevent underage access to alcohol. The recent citation of a Ventura County delivery driver highlights the importance. Keeping a watchful eye on our community is essential.
[Article Note: This piece was originally published on NewsBreak and has been archived and transferred to DOPE Quick Reads to preserve its informational value. Original publication date: 2024-03-04]
