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What is a Compliance Check?

An alcohol compliance check is a law enforcement operation involving use of underage buyers to test an off-sale retail establishment's compliance with laws regarding the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21.  If the establishment is found to be non-compliant with the purchase age law, a citation is issued.




What is an off-sale alcohol outlet?

For purposes of the SMAUD program, an off-sale alcohol outlet is an outlet with a
license to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption.


How does a Compliance Check work?
  • A student under 21 but at least 18 years of age enters the store to attempt to purchase alcohol.


  • If the clerk requests age identification or if the clerk asks the student if he/she is under 21, the student must provide the clerk with valid documentation of age.
  • If the clerk refuses to sell alcohol to the student, the student leaves the store and immediately proceeds to the enforcement vehicle to debrief the officer.

  • The retail establishment is considered in compliance.
  • If the clerk sells alcohol to the student, he or she proceeds directly to the enforcement vehicle with the purchased alcohol and gives the alcohol to the officer.

  • This retail establishment has "failed" the compliance check operation and is "not in compliance." The seller is cited for the violation.

Licensees face increased penalties for sales to minors. A first time sale may result in a fine or license suspension. A second sale to a minor within a three-year period is an automatic license suspension. A third sale to a minor within a three-year period may result in license revocation.

COMPLIANCE CHECK RESULTS
Click here for results of Year 1 Round 1 - 2/15 to 3/22/05
Click here for results of Year 1 Round 2 - 5/22 to 7/2/05
All first year results have been completed.

Click here for results of Year 2 Round 1 - 7/15 to 10/17/05
Click here for results of Year 2 Round 2 - 4/18 to 6/9/06
All second year checks have been completed.



For more information on SMAUD, please call 310-458-2201xt 4853 or email SMAUD