In a recent social media announcement, the Manteca Police Department revealed the results of a city-wide Minor Decoy Operation. The sting, which took place last Saturday, targeted 14 establishments with off-sale alcohol licenses. These are businesses that sell alcoholic beverages which are not meant to be consumed on the premises, like grocery stores and liquor outlets.
According to the Facebook post from the Manteca Police, not a single clerk was caught furnishing alcohol to the minor decoys. This result was hailed as a "positive moment" by the department, which attributed the successful outcome to the ongoing operations and educational efforts aimed at preventing underage access to alcohol. "During the operation, no clerks furnished alcohol to the decoys by completing the sale," the department shared.
The operation involved members of the Manteca Police, Manteca Cadets, and even an Agent from the ABC — that is, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The Police Department operates under a grant agreement with the ABC, focusing on efforts to hinder underage individuals from gaining access to or being furnished with alcoholic beverages.
In their social media release, the Manteca Police also took the opportunity to remind business owners and employees of their responsibility. The department stressed the continued importance of verifying IDs to "ensure purchasers can lawfully purchase alcoholic beverages." Local residents and visitors were also prompted to play their part by refraining from furnishing alcohol to underage individuals and reporting any related illegal activities to the Manteca Police at 209.456.8101.
