13 Of 14 Sebastopol Businesses Sell Alcohol To 18-Year-Old During Decoy Operation

SEBASTOPOL - Thirteen of fourteen businesses sold alcohol to an 18 year old during a minor decoy operation in Sebastopol on Sunday, according to police.

According to Sebastopol police, a male decoy attempted to purchase alcohol at fourteen different Sebastopol establishments.

Police say thirteen out of fourteen local establishments sold alcohol to the decoy. 

While it is illegal to sell alcohol to a minor, according to police, no arrests were made. They say the purpose of the compliance checks was to educate employees on how to sell alcohol. 

During the operation, Sebastopol police say the decoy used a valid, borrowed ID of a 26-year-old male. 

While the majority of establishments asked for proof of age identification, police say the clerk on duty rarely looked closely at the photo ID. 

Police encourage Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training for employees.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services provides RBS training (free of charge) at various locations across Sonoma County, including Sebastopol, which provides information on state and local alcohol laws, liability for the employee and the business, skills training in how to identify a false ID, how to prevent alcohol sales to minors, refusing the sale of alcohol, and what to do in the event of intoxication.

-image via Chris Waits/Flickr