North County Cops Execute Drunk Decoy Operation

A multi-agency drunk decoy operation was conducted in San Marcos and Escondido on Friday.

Sheriff's Deputies, California Department of Alcoholic and Beverage Control (ABC) agents and Escondido Police Officers sent an undercover officer to licensed establishments. Although sober, he acted obviously intoxicated. He smelled like alcohol, stumbled into the store, slurred his speech and dropped items.

Out of the eight stores they visited, five stores sold the decoy alcohol. It is a misdemeanor in California to sell alcohol to someone who is obviously drunk. The individual committing the crime faces up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail. The business can have its alcohol license suspended for 25 days.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, the operation is for educational purposes only and no enforcement action was taken. This operation was part of a $100,000 grant from ABC to the Sheriff's Department and $60,000 grant to the Escondido Police Department. These types of operations will continue through the end of the year.

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