Sheriff’s deputies worked with underage decoys Friday to enforce alcohol sales laws in five North County cities.
The operation involved five decoys and agents from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or ABC, in Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos, Poway, and Ramona.
The decoys tried to buy alcoholic beverages at 21 stores, and three of the businesses sold to them.
A second operation, called a “shoulder tap,” placed the decoys outside liquor stores to ask adults to purchase alcohol. Two adults were arrested.
In July, the Sheriff’s Department received a $100,000 grant from ABC to fight alcohol related crimes and educate licensed retailers in San Diego County.
Anyone with information on licensed establishments providing alcohol to minors can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.
