5 Stores Accused of Selling Beer to Minor

Five Fillmore businesses allegedly sold beer to a 19-year-old cadet from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department this weekend during a check to see if local stores were observing the state’s alcohol regulations.

Authorities said employees at Vons market, Bob Brown’s Chevron, Tony’s Ranch Market, Papa Loy’s Liquor and La Unica Market will be charged with selling alcohol to a person under age 21, a misdemeanor. Repeated violations can lead to the revocation of a store’s license to sell alcohol.

On Friday night, sheriff’s deputies targeted 14 Fillmore businesses selling beer, wine and spirits as part of the department’s ongoing Alcohol Decoy Program. A letter was sent to businesses selling alcohol in the area six weeks ago warning them of the impending checks.

The female cadet, carrying a valid California driver’s license showing that she would not turn 21 until 1998, entered each store between 6 and 9 p.m. and tried to buy a 12-pack of beer. If asked about her age, or “carded,� she was told not to lie.

Authorities said the Alcohol Decoy Program targeting merchants is one of the most effective methods for combating problems associated with underage drinking.