Two Stores Fail Alcohol Decoy Tests

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. - In an effort to help prevent underage drinking and alcohol-related traffic fatalities, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is partnering with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to conduct minor decoy compliance tests.  Of the seven establishments tested this week, employees at two stores sold alcohol to the minor decoy. 

On the evening of Thursday, October 4, 2018, JCSO deputies, along with an OLCC agent conducted compliance tests at OLCC-licensed convenience stores around the county. Some of the stores were selected randomly, while others were targeted in response to citizen-generated complaints of selling alcohol to minors.

The decoy was an 18-year-old male who was in possession of his Oregon driver’s license, following strict guidelines. Decoys must tell the truth about their age, present valid identification when requested, and must not attempt to verbally persuade an employee to complete the sale of alcohol. 

The following locations were tested:

·         Woodland Heights Market – 1501 Prune St, Medford

·         Stop And Go Market – 6079 Table Rock Rd, Central Point

·         Stop N Go – 2362 Antelope Rd, White City

·         7-Eleven – 2410 Antelope Rd, White City

·         Flying Eagle Market – 14406 Highway 62, Eagle Point

·         Fast and Easy Mart – 13325 Antioch Rd, White City

·         Lil Pantry – 501 E Main St, Rogue River

Woodland Heights Market and the Flying Eagle Market were the only stores to fail the test, which resulted in enforcement actions from JCSO and OLCC.

A JCSO deputy issued the involved store employees criminal citations for providing liquor to a person under 21 (ORS 471.410), a Class A misdemeanor which, upon first conviction, carries a fine of at least $500.

OLCC is taking enforcement action against the businesses, which generally involves a combination of fines and options for the business owner to promote future compliance.  Options may include suspension of the business’ liquor license and/or incorporating age verification technology and employee training.

This is an important program that complements the mission of the JCSO traffic team -to save lives and prevent crashes through impaired driving enforcement. By increasing compliance among alcohol retailers, the involved agencies are working to minimize opportunities for minors to purchase alcohol within Jackson County.

The collaborative effort between JCSO and OLCC will continue in the future, testing stores as well as restaurants and bars.  For more information about the OLCC minor decoy program, please see the attached document. 

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