Alcohol sting busts 15 Simi vendors for wrongdoings
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

The Simi Valley Police Department issued citations to the employees of 15 different local businesses this week, after conducting an undercover investigation into the sale of liquor to minors.

Officers from the department's special enforcement section and a representative from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) investigated a total of 77 locations throughout the city.

Sgt. Adam Darough said police utilized two undercover decoys- ages 18 and 19, who attempted to purchase alcohol at each of the locations.

"We'll do these (investigations) when we feel there's a need," Darough said. "They are done on a regular basis. Sometimes it's prompted by complaints by parents, other retailers or civic groups who have either heard about or seen alcohol being furnished or sold to minors."

According to a police report, this investigation was part of a continuing police program intended to curb the sales of alcohol to minors.

Darough said the citations were issued only to those employees who actually sold the liquor and that a list of the 15 establishments where the sales occurred will be sent to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for administrative action.

Depending on the specific violation, each business on the list could potentially be fined or have their liquor license suspended or revoked.

"There can be various offenses that were broken," Darough said. "Some may have just failed to check ID, and some may have sold to the actual minor. The penalties differ based on what was violated."

The businesses where employees were cited are as follows: •Valle Liquor at 2513 Sy

camore Dr. • Shell at 2405 Sycamore Dr. • Union 76 at 2706 E. Los Angeles Ave. • 7-11 at 2543 Royal Ave. • Vons at 1855 Cochran St. • Ralph's at 591 Country Club Dr.• Shell at 1120 E. Los Angeles Ave. • Quick Stop Market at 1706 Erringer Rd. • El Mercadito at 1639 Royal Ave.

• Vons at 660 E. Los Angeles Ave. • Arco at 706 E. Los Angeles Ave. • Alliance Food Mart at 2404 Stearns St. • Shell at 2627 Yosemite Ave. • Vons at 5805 E. Los Ange

les Ave. • J's Liquor at 5924 E. Los Angeles Ave.