In a recent incident in San Diego, the consequences of irresponsible alcohol sales were tragically highlighted. Beverage House Liquor, a store located at 1370 East Vista Way in Vista, faces a 45-day suspension after selling alcohol to an underage individual on March 22, 2022. This sale had devastating repercussions when the young buyer shared the alcohol with friends, leading to a fatal car accident.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) swiftly initiated a Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies (TRACE) investigation to trace the origin of the illegally sold alcohol. Their findings revealed that an employee of Beverage House Liquor, Eugenio Canada, sold alcohol to the underage individual on two separate occasions that evening without verifying their age through ID. The alcohol was then distributed among a group of minors.
After consuming the alcohol, the group traveled to San Diego. Tragically, on their return journey to Vista, the intoxicated driver collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of one passenger and severe injuries to the others.
“Preventing underage drinking is a public safety priority. It is vital for businesses to diligently check IDs to avert such heartbreaking incidents.”
-ABC Director Joseph McCullough
In response to the incident, ABC took disciplinary action against Beverage House Liquor for their role in the tragedy. The store agreed to a 45-day suspension of their liquor license and faces potential permanent revocation if any similar incidents occur within the next two years.
This unfortunate event underscores the significance of responsible beverage service training for businesses. The TRACE program, funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aids ABC in investigating alcohol-related incidents involving minors or those charged with vehicular manslaughter under the influence.
For businesses in the beverage industry, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities they hold. Ensuring staff are adequately trained in responsible service can help prevent such tragedies in the future.