3 Riverside Eateries Cited For Allegedly Selling Booze To Teen During Sting

RIVERSIDE (CBS) — Three eateries in Riverside were issued citations for selling alcoholic beverages to a teen during an undercover sting, authorities said Wednesday.

Riverside police vice officers conducted a four-hour decoy operation on Tuesday, randomly checking nine businesses to confirm they were obeying the law and asking to see a driver's license or other form of ID before selling booze to anyone who appeared underage.

According to Lt. Mike Cook, a person under 21 was sent into each of the nine establishments to ask for beer or wine. Clerks at six businesses confirmed the decoy's age before transacting sales. However, employees at the following eateries allegedly failed to do so: Josie's Tacos, 9782 Magnolia Ave.; Que's Sports Bar & Grill, 9364 Magnolia Ave.; and Tacos La Burfadora, 5650 Van Buren Blvd.

According to the lieutenant, the clerks were issued misdemeanor citations and could face up to $3,800 in fines and 36 months probation if convicted.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is expected to impose administrative penalties that could include revocation of the establishments' liquor licenses, Cook said.

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