From Chief Chris Magnus:

On, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, various times and locations throughout Richmond—Personnel from the Police Department’s Regulatory Unit did a series of “decoy operations” at various liquor stores and liquor-serving establishments around the city.  The purpose of these operations is to discourage sales of alcoholic beverages to minors.  The Department’s Regulatory Unit conducts such operations on an ongoing basis.

Here are the results:

• Five stores sold to minors.

• Three of these stores have had charges filed against them by the Contra Costa County D.A.’s Office for selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor, as well as ABC Administrative violations issued:  13th Street Market (Cisco Market), Carlson Food Market, Arco-AM/PM M&N Market.
• One store is pending charges and ABC Administrative violations:  Santa Fe Market.
• One store is pending ABC Administrative violations:  Pitres Market.

RPD arrested two people during its “Shoulder Tap” operations for purchasing alcohol for a minor at two different stores:  Carlson Food Market and Valero Corner Store (San Pablo Ave. & Garvin St.).

RPD also issued citations to individuals in and around several of these stores for violations of Open Container to Minor in Possession and other assorted alcohol related violations.

These efforts are part of our ongoing enforcement/prevention strategies related to liquor laws.  Please let me know if you need any further information.