Three local businesses failed unannounced compliancy checks last week when employees sold alcoholic beverages to a minor decoy working with Benicia Police Department and agents from the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), Lt. Michael Greene said.

The police department’s investigations unit was accompanied by the agents and used a minor-aged decoy who posed as a customer at 16 stores and restaurants during an unannounced sting, Greene said.

“Unfortunately, the minor decoy was able to purchase alcoholic beverages at three establishments,” he said.

They were Rose Market, 2064 Columbus Parkway; the 7-Eleven store at 500 Military East; and First Street Café, 440 First St.

“Two of the three businesses failed to ask the minor for identification,” Greene said. “The third business requested identification, but still sold the minor an alcoholic beverage.”

He said ABC issued citations to the three employees who sold the drinks to the child. “These cases will be referred to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution and to ABC,” Greene said.

He identified the businesses where employees refused to sell alcohol to the decoy as two Chevrons, one at 10 Solano Square and the other at 2054 Columbus Parkway; Raley’s, 890 Southampton Road; Superstop, 816 Southampton Road; Bob’s Food and Liquor, 510 West J St.; Rite Aid, 60 Solano Square; Valero Gas, 1925 East Second St.; Texaco Gas, 6001 Goodyear Road; Fast & Easy Mart, 1500 East Fifth St.; Liquor Warehouse, 457 Military East; Union 76, 505 Military East; Szechwan Restaurant, 500 First St.; and Rookies Sports Bar, 321 First St.

“It’s unfortunate these violations occurred at three separate establishments in Benicia. The goal of the police department is total compliance,” Greene said.

“Alcohol consumption provides a significant danger to our youth, and keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors is a responsibility shared by all.”

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