Local News in Brief : Businesses Charged in Liquor Sales to Minors

Seventeen Simi Valley businesses have been accused of selling alcohol to minors during an undercover police investigation, Simi Valley police said Tuesday.

The businesses face punishment ranging from a fine to revocation of their liquor licenses. Employees involved in the sales were issued misdemeanor citations, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

On four evenings between June 28 and July 6, police sent two trained female volunteers, 18 and 19 years old, into 48 businesses, including grocery stores, liquor stores, drug stores, bars and restaurants. Thirty-one retailers refused them liquor.

Among those that police said sold liquor to minors were an Alpha Beta grocery store, two Thrifty Drug and Discount stores and three 7-Eleven convenience stores.

“These were pretty blatant violations,” said Officer Greg Riegert, who took part in the operation. “That 31 obviously thought the two girls were too young and refused to sell alcohol says something.”

Simi Valley police conducted a similar investigation in April, 1987, and usually conduct about two a year, Riegert said. Normally, he said, “between one-third and one-fourth of the businesses sell to minors.”

The names of business that sell alcohol to minors are reported to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Riegert said. He said the severity of the sanctions depends on their history of compliance with the department rules.