Six Local Businesses Illegally Sold Alcohol to a Minor

Six businesses, including Costco, 7-11 and three taquerias, sold alcohol to a minor, in a sting operation Friday conducted by Santa Cruz Police.

The department announced the results Monday, adding that the clerks selling to the youth were issued a citation with a bail amount of $3,400. The store could also face administrative action from the state Alcohol Beverage Control department.

The list of businesses selected by the police was based on anonymous surveys taken by teens in the Santa Cruz County Alcohol and Drug Program, in which the youths identified places they thought they could buy alcohol.

These businesses sold to the decoy:

• Costco, 220 Sylvania St.

• 7-11, 602 Laurel St.

• Buffalo Bill, 107 Leonard St.

• Taqueria Vallarta, 608 Soquel Ave.

• Taqueria Santa Cruz, 1002 Soquel Ave.

• Taqueria Agave, 1836 Soquel Ave.

These businesses didn't sell: Parish Pub, Mission Liquors, Valero gas stations, Hernandez Market, Coasters Bar & Grill, Days Market, Safeway, Santa Cruz Market, La Esperanza Market, CVS and Taqueria Vallarta at 1221 Mission St.

Police received a $45,000 grant from California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for education, prevention and suppression of underage drinking.