Five establishments were cited for each allegedly selling alcohol to a minor in an alcohol sting conducted on Nov. 18 by the Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and El Segundo police departments.
A decoy was sent to 23 restaurant or bars and 13 stores that sell liquor in the two cities and attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages, according to a statement from the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
Employees of three on-sale restaurants, including Shade Hotel and Chong’s China Grill in Manhattan Beach and Okie Dokie Sushi in Hermosa Beach, and two off-sale stores that sell liquor, including Green Store and Roberts Liquor in Hermosa Beach, were cited, according to the statement.
Manhattan Beach has 122 bars, restaurants and retail stores licensed to sell alcohol; Hermosa Beach has 97.
The individuals who sold the beverages to the minors face misdemeanor charges – a minimum fine of $250, or 24 hours of community service. The businesses could face suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses.
Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and El Segundo police departments received a $50,000 grant that extends to June 30, 2012, to reduce alcohol-related crimes throughout the cities. This includes providing training to personnel in stores or restaurants licensed to sell alcohol, training patrol officers, and conducting inspections and sting operations to find out whether licensed establishments are following state laws and local operating permits, according to a police statement.
“The goal is to reduce alcohol availability to minors, and to increase the quality of life in all three cities,” said Sergeant Chris Vargas of the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
