5 Newport businesses cited in investigation of alcohol sales to minors

Dec. 1, 2016 1:58 PM PT

Newport Beach police and state investigators have issued citations to five local establishments accused of selling alcohol to minors, city officials said Thursday.

On Nov. 23, Newport detectives and investigators with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control visited 12 alcohol licensees with minors who tried to buy alcoholic beverages there, according to a news release.

City officials allege that The Alley restaurant and bar, Rudy’s Pub & Grill, CP Restaurant & Lounge, Cassidy’s Bar & Grill and the Balboa Peninsula location of Gina’s Pizza sold alcohol to minors. The businesses face a $250 fine and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation, authorities said.

They also could face administrative action such as suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses.

A $48,191 state grant to Newport Beach police funded the operation.

City officials said Newport businesses have about 430 active retail ABC licenses.

bradley.zint@latimes.com

Twitter: @BradleyZint

Bradley Zint

Bradley Zint left Times Community News in 2018. He was a general assignment reporter for the Daily Pilot, where he worked since 2010. At the Pilot, he also was a copy editor, classical music columnist and reporter covering Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. He previously worked in Hermosa Beach, Long Beach, Alaska and Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach, where he served as editor-in-chief of its campus newspaper, the Daily 49er.