Illegal Alcohol Sales Could Cost Local Businesses

Sonora, CA — Of the nine businesses that were found to be selling alcohol to minors during a Friday evening “sting” operation, three are in line for fines.

The “sting” operation was carried out by the Tuolumne County Sheriff´s Office, the District Attorney´s Office and Alcohol Beverage Control.

A.B.C. has a three strikes law. If a business is cited for selling alcohol to a minor three times in a three year period ABC will recommend to the courts that the liquor license of the guilty party be revoked.

Paul Fuentes, the supervising investigator for A.B.C. in Stockton, stated that Sonora Mini-Mart, Sonora Express Mart and the Junction Fuel Depot all have two strikes within a three year period after selling alcohol to underage decoys Friday evening. That infraction could cost the businesses $2,500 to $20,000 and/or the possible loss of a liquor license for 25 days.

Written by Bill Johnson