HANFORD, CA – A targeted enforcement operation by the Hanford Police Department and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) resulted in employees at four Hanford businesses being cited for allegedly selling alcohol to minors during a compliance check conducted March 5.
The operation used underage decoys as part of a statewide effort aimed at preventing underage drinking. The minors, all under the age of 21, attempted to purchase alcohol at 13 on-sale establishments, including bars and restaurants where alcohol is consumed on the premises.
Authorities say four businesses sold alcohol to the minor decoy, resulting in citations for the employees involved. The businesses identified in the operation were:
Round Table Pizza – 208 N. 12th Ave
El Tarasco – 114 W. Seventh St
La Fiesta – 106 N. Green St
Hong Kong Chop Suey – 481 E. Seventh St
Servers or bartenders who sold alcohol to the minor decoy were cited for Business and Professions Code 25658(a), which prohibits selling, furnishing, or giving alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age.
The cases will be forwarded to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution.
In addition to criminal citations, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may take administrative action against the alcohol licenses of the businesses involved. Possible penalties include fines, temporary suspension of the license, or permanent revocation.
Officials say the operation is part of the ABC Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Grant Project, funded by the **California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway
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Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
