California Code of Regulations
Title 4 - Business Regulations
Division 1 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
Article 22 - Suspension or Revocation of Licenses
Section 141.1 - Minor Decoy Requirements for Delivery Enforcement

Universal Citation: 4 CA Code of Regs 141.1

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) A law enforcement agency may only use a person under 21 years of age to attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages for delivery to apprehend licensees, or employees or agents of licensees, who deliver alcoholic beverages to minors (persons under 21 years of age), and to reduce deliveries of alcoholic beverages to minors, in a fashion that promotes fairness. For purposes of this section, fairness is defined as compliance with all the conditions set forth in subdivision (e).

(b) For purposes of this section, "delivery" shall mean any transfer of alcoholic beverages by a licensee, or an employee or agent of a licensee, to a person under 21 years of age, pursuant to an order made by internet, telephone, other electronic means, or any method of ordering other than in person at the licensed premises.

(c) For purposes of this section, "agent" shall mean any entity or person the licensee uses to deliver alcoholic beverages to persons who place orders by internet, telephone, other electronic means, or any method of ordering other than in person at the licensed premises, whether by contract or agreement, even if not an employee of the licensee, including but not limited to a third-party delivery person or service.

(d) For purposes of this section, "minor decoy" shall mean a person used by law enforcement pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 25658(f).

(e) The following minimum standards shall apply to actions filed pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 25658 in which it is alleged a minor decoy has been furnished an alcoholic beverage by delivery:

(1) At the time of the alleged violation, the minor decoy shall be under 20 years of age;

(2) The minor decoy shall display the appearance which could generally be expected of a person under 21 years of age, under the actual circumstances presented to the person delivering the alcoholic beverages at the time of the alleged violation;

(3) A minor decoy shall either carry their own identification showing their correct date of birth or shall carry no identification; a minor decoy who carries identification shall present it upon request of the person delivering the alcoholic beverages;

(4) A minor decoy shall answer truthfully any questions about their age, asked by the person delivering the alcoholic beverages, at the time of delivery. This requirement shall not apply to questions asked about the age of the minor decoy at the time the alcoholic beverages are ordered.

(f) Failure to comply with this rule shall be a defense to any action brought pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 25658.

1. New section filed 6-3-2020 as an emergency; operative 6-3-2020 (Register 2020, No. 23). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 11-30-2020 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.
2. Emergency filed 6-3-2020 extended 60 days (Executive Order N-40-20). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 1-29-2021 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.
3. Certificate of Compliance as to 6-3-2020 order, including amendment of section, transmitted to OAL 11-12-2020 and filed 12-3-2020; amendments effective 12-3-2020 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2020, No. 49).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 25658 and 25750, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Article XX, section 22, California Constitution.

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