Police Cite Restaurants in Alcohol Sting

In a decoy sting during the Labor Day weekend, four local establishments were cited for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach police reported Wednesday.

The two police departments and agents from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control conducted the sting at a total of 13 bars and restaurants.

According to a press release issued Wednesday by the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the four restaurants cited over the weekend were and in Hermosa Beach, and the Strand House and Sun & Moon Café in Manhattan Beach.

A decoy also was sent into seven local stores that sell alcoholic beverages, and all of those businesses reportedly refused to sell to a minor.

Selling alcohol to anyone under age 21 could result in a liquor license being suspended for at least 15 days or revoked if the business has previous citations, according to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

To help reduce alcohol-related crimes in the area, the Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and El Segundo police departments this summer received from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a program that continues to June 30.

With the grant, the police departments will continue to work with alcohol control agents to conduct sting operations and inspections, and provide training for patrol officers and local business owners.

There are 97 businesses in Hermosa Beach that are licensed to sell alcohol, 122 in neighboring Manhattan Beach, and 81 in El Segundo.

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