The holiday season is for enjoying time with family and friends and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is doing its part to ensure it’s done safely.
Members of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Task Force (SITF) are partnering with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to conduct undercover operations at bars, restaurants and liquor stores throughout the County of Fresno to help prevent minors from obtaining alcoholic beverages.
A recent operation in Kingsburg and Easton resulted in two businesses being cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor. Businesses are reminded to have policies in place to identify (ID) their customers, verifying they are of legal drinking age. They are also encouraged to have their staff participate in an ABC Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) Program. This free training program, available at www.abc.ca.gov, teaches employees about serving alcoholic beverages safely, responsibly and legally.
Individuals and businesses that are caught providing alcoholic beverages face stiff fines. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service. Businesses will also have an administrative hearing with ABC, which could result in fines or suspension of their ABC license. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office could also file a civil case against the licensee for unfair business practices. The best way to protect yourself and your business is to be consistent with ID checks of your customers. Additionally, businesses can make celebrations safer by reminding their patrons to designate a sober driver or find alternative ways to get home safely.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the Department’s Alcohol Policing Partnership Program. ABC is a special fund agency. Its budget and this program are funded entirely by license fees from the alcoholic beverage industry.
