Police Cite Restaurants in Alcohol Sting

In a decoy sting last Friday, four local establishments were cited for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa 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 The Strand House and Sun & Moon Café in Manhattan Beach and  and  in Hermosa 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 Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and El Segundo police departments this summer received  from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a program that continues through 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 122 businesses in Manhattan Beach that are licensed to sell alcohol, 97 in neighboring Hermosa Beach, and 81 in El Segundo.