ABC Suspends the License of Play Fair Market in Bakersfield

Bakersfield – On February 22, 2022, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) posted a 30-day Notice of Suspension at Play Fair Market located at 1030 South Union Street in Bakersfield. The owner of the store agreed to the penalty. Alcohol sales at the store are prohibited during the duration of the suspension period.

ABC cited 26-year-old Marshal McClinton of Bakersfield, for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The minor he sold alcohol to was later involved in an alcohol-related crash that resulted in serious injuries to two people.

McClinton is accused of selling alcohol to 20-year-old Jacob Ozuna on July 28, 2021, while working as a store clerk. Ozuna was later arrested by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for allegedly driving under the influence after the vehicle he was operating hit another vehicle head-on resulting in injuries to two women. ABC agents also cited a different store clerk at the same location on July 30, 2021, for selling alcohol to a minor.

The CHP contacted ABC after the crash as it involved minors and alcohol. ABC immediately opened a Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies (TRACE) investigation to determine the source of the alcohol.

Following the TRACE investigation, ABC agents determined that the underage driver purchased alcohol at Play Fair Market prior to the crash.

“This entire situation could have been prevented,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “ABC licensees must remain vigilant and check identifications carefully to keep youth safe.”

The TRACE program is made possible by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grant provides funding for in-depth ABC investigations of serious incidents involving alcohol and minors, including car crashes. Visit our website to learn more about TRACE.

The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.

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

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