Menifee Market Busted for Selling Booze to Kids

The Riverside County Sheriff published a press release stating that their efforts to stop sales of alcoholic beverages to minors proved successful in the bust of Menifee Market, on 26035 Scott Road.

The following is the press release...

On Friday, March 23, 2007, Deputies from the Southwest Station in conjunction with the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control agents conducted the one of several planned surveillance operations focused on minors purchasing alcohol products at local retail establishments in the Menifee and French Valley area.

On Friday, around 9:15 PM, they observed a minor purchasing alcohol at Menifee Market, 26035 Scott Road. The owner of the business, Yasir Harb, 47 years old, of Romoland, was cited for 25658(a) B&P, selling alcohol to a minor. Harb could face fines and or community service. In addition the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will take administrative action against the business's liquor license that may include a fine, a suspension of the liquor license or the permanent revocation of the license

We would like to again thank the merchants of the county areas that are not selling alcohol to minors. Their continued support of the well being of the youth in our community is appreciated. The Southwest Station's efforts to deter the unlawful sales of alcohol products, and gain compliance by all merchants will continue and more programs will be conducted on a regular basis.

If citizens observe juveniles purchasing tobacco or alcohol, they are encouraged to call the Southwest Station's non-emergency number 696-HELP and report the incident.

This doesn't say anything about the parents or guardians who didn't know (or knew) their kids were buying booze.

Also note that this press release said that the bust of Menifee Market was just one of several planned surveillance operations in Menifee and French Valley. If you're a store owner with a liquor license, you're being watched.