SD Sheriff's Deputies Stage Drunk Decoy Operation In Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA — San Diego sheriff's deputies teamed up with San Diego police and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Saturday for a drunk decoy operation aimed at teaching liquor store clerks in Encinitas not to sell to intoxicated customers.

The operation was conducted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at eight locations, according to the sheriff's department.

An undercover deputy or officer stumbled into the licensed store slurring their speech, smelling of alcohol, bumping into displays and dropping things before attempting to purchase alcohol, sheriff's officials said.

Clerks at five of the businesses sold alcohol to the decoys, officials said. It is a misdemeanor in California to sell alcohol to someone who is obviously drunk.

The enforcement team entered those stores to explain the dangers to public safety and the potential criminal, civil and administrative penalties, officials said.

No enforcement action was taken since the operation was for educational purposes, part of a $100,000 grant from the ABC.

—City News Service