The Minor Decoy program is a very effective tool used to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors. This enforcement program uses minor decoys that are under the age of 21 and under direct supervision of law enforcement, to enter ABC licensed premises and try to purchase alcohol. If an employee sells alcohol to the minor deco they are arrested for violating Section 25658(a) of the Business and Professions Code - Sales of alcohol to a minor. In addition, ABC takes administrative action against the premises which can result in a fine, suspension or revocation of the ABC license.
Another program used to deter underage drinking is the Shoulder Tap program. During this program, a minor decoy is positioned outside of an ABC licensed premises to solicit customers to purchase alcohol for them. If the customer purchases alcohol and furnishes it to the minor decoy they are arrested for violating Section 25658(a) of the Business and Professions Code - Furnishing alcohol to a minor.
The TRACE unit investigates alcohol related incidents involving alcohol and minors. TRACE stands for Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies. In 2004 this unit was created to combat the increasing problems of youth access to alcohol. Any crime involving someone under the age of 21, with victim(s) or suspect(s) under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, resulting in great bodily injury or death will initiate an investigation by ABC to determine where the alcohol or drugs came from.
Working together with the first responding agency, ABC conducts a parallel investigation to determine if an ABC licensed premises was involved and who the suspect(s) were. These investigations can result in criminal action against the individual along with administrative action against the ABC licensee.
