Three Thousand Oaks Restaurants Cited for Serving Alcohol to Minors in Sting Operation

Alcoholic Beverage and Control (ABC) agents and deputies from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU), conducted a Minor Decoy operation in the City of Thousand Oaks.

On February 20, 2026, ABC and DEU organized a Minor Decoy operation in the City of Thousand Oaks.  A person under the age of 21 years old was used as a decoy to enter licensed establishments with the intent of purchasing alcoholic beverages. The decoy attempting to make the illegal purchase of alcohol, is dressed conservatively, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller.  All questions asked by the seller to the decoy are also answered honestly. The decoy is supervised by deputies from DEU and ABC during the entire process.

Nine licensed business establishments were investigated to verify the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors was not occurring. Three businesses sold alcohol to the minor decoy.   

After the alcohol was sold to the minor, the employee was contacted by ABC agents and issued citation for a violation of California Business and Professions Code 25658 (a) – Furnishing Alcoholic Beverage to a Minor.

In addition, ABC may take administrative action against the license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. Administrative actions may include fines, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.

To deter underage drinking, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has implemented two programs to combat this from occurring; Minor Decoy and Shoulder-Tap.  These programs have steadily decreased the accessibility of minors obtaining alcohol from both licensed premises and the public.

DEU will continue to work with ABC and other organizations to educate and enforce underage alcohol sales. Anyone who knows of establishments who sells alcohol beverages to minors can call the sheriff’s office at (805) 371-8338. People who call can remain anonymous.

Nature of Incident:Minor Decoy Operation
Location:City of Thousand Oaks
Date & Time:February 20, 2026
Unit(s) Responsible: Alcoholic Beverage and Control (ABC) and Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU)

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age                                                                                                    
Azar’s Sports Bar & Grill                                                Newbury Park                               N/A
PJ’s Sports Pub                                                             Thousand Oaks                            N/A
Islands Fine Burgers & Drink                                         Newbury Park                             N/A

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).