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Four Menlo Park businesses cited for selling alcohol to minors
• Police run decoy operation again in Menlo Park.

by Sandy Brundage

Employees at four Menlo Park businesses fell for the police department's minor decoy trap on Saturday (Aug. 28).

Rosewood Sand Hill, Eric's Gourmet, Applewood Pizza, and Lutticken's sold alcohol to a minor, according to the police department. The businesses face fines of up to $1,000, and possibly 24 to 32 hours of community service. The state department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) can also levy fines or suspend liquor licenses.

Police spokesman James Luevano said a $6,000 grant from ABC paid for three minor decoy operations and educational training for businesses possessing a license to sell alcohol.

The decoys must be younger than 20 years old, and not dressed to appear older during the sting, according to police department guidelines. Officer Luevano said the department recruits minors at job fairs, law enforcement outreaches, and other programs for those interested in careers as police officers.

In July, a similar operation tagged four Menlo Park restaurants for selling alcohol to a minor.