ABC Revokes the Alcoholic Beverage License of Rico’s Tacos Taqueria in Arcata
Co-Owner of the business is accused of illegal drug activity
Arcata, CA – On April 29, 2019, Agents with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) posted a Notice of Revocation at Rico’s Tacos Taqueria, a (type 41) beer and wine restaurant located at 686 F Street, Suite D in Arcata.
ABC filed a multi-count accusation against the licensed premises this year for alleged illegal drug possession and drug possession for sale by co-licensee Ariel Arguellas-Sosa. He was arrested locally in August, 2018 on charges of illegal drug activity. He posted bail and did not show up for his most recent scheduled court appearance.
During the course of the investigation law enforcement discovered over four ounces of heroin, over six ounces of methamphetamine, 2.9 pounds of cocaine, $64,109 dollars cash and two vehicles were seized. Police estimate the street value of the drugs, seized vehicles and cash to be roughly $200,000. In addition, during the course of the investigation local law enforcement and ABC discovered that the proceeds from the illegal drug sales were being used to operate Rico’s Tacos Taqueria.
Rico’s Tacos Taqueria has not contested ABC’s accusation so the Department has moved forward with revocation of the license. Effective immediately alcoholic beverage sales are prohibited at the business.
ABC protects communities through education and by administering prevention and enforcement programs designed to increase compliance with California’s alcoholic beverage laws. ABC encourages licensees to sign up for ABC’s Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) training free of charge. Licensees and their employees can now take the training online. They can also sign up for training in person in a classroom setting. Visit the LEAD Registration page on ABC’s website for details.
Visit the Enforcement page on ABC’s website to learn more about ABC enforcement and prevention programs that can help increase public safety. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.
Contact
Additional information may be obtained by contacting:
Public Information Office
3927 Lennane Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: pio@abc.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 419-2525