Sale to Minors — Stiff Penalties
The state of California is strictly in the way it fines and penalizes vendors who sell liquor to minors. In this state, underage drinking is dangerous for both the seller and the buyer/user. We all know that 'three strikes and you're out' in baseball means you're out only until you get up to bat in the next inning. When it comes to a liquor license, 'three strikes and you're out' means a mandatory revocation of your license and the loss of your ability to sell the license to a third party.
We defend license holders facing license revocation. It is important to know that, often, the most important strategy for preventing problems is rigorously checking IDs when selling alcoholic beverages. Some establishments have a policy to card absolutely everyone — no exceptions.
Penalties May Include:
- Sale of alcoholic beverages to person(s) under 21 — 15 day suspension
- Permitting person(s) under 21 to consume — 15 day suspension
- 2nd violation within 36 months — 25 day suspension
- 3rd violation within 36 months — Revocation
-ABC ACT, Division 9, Chapter 1, Section 25658
Don't Wait if You Violate
A license suspension means not being able to sell liquor at all. A license revocation means no license. A second violation for sales to a minor is very close to being the end of your business.
After a violation, you may want to consider selling you liquor license to another party. If you sell a license, the slate is virtually wiped clean for the establishment. An experienced liquor license lawyer can help you conduct the sale.
There are a few other factors which may affect your case. For example, if a violation for a sale to a minor occurred without a bona fide ID (as may happen in a sting operation), then there may be grounds to have the violation dismissed.
If you are in need of an attorney for defense of your liquor license, please call our toll free number, 866-614-4502, or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We'd be happy to walk you through the process — from A to B to C.
