ABC TRACE investigation ends in lengthy suspension for Escalon restaurant for furnishing alcohol to teens involved in fight

Sacramento – The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) on Jan. 8 suspended the license of Valley Inn (1744 Main St.) in Escalon, prohibiting alcohol sales for 25 days. The disciplinary action came after ABC found four minors were allowed to enter and consume alcohol, which led to a large fight on site.

ABC opened a TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies) investigation immediately after the incident to determine the source of the alcohol the underage persons consumed.

The investigation, conducted by agents from ABC’s TRACE Unit and Lodi District Office, determined that on March 8, 2025, four minors were allowed to enter Valley Inn and remain on the premises while consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. The minors were then involved in a fight consisting of multiple patrons which resulted in great bodily injury to several people as well as the minors.

“Restricting alcohol access for minors is critical to preventing incidents of this nature,” said ABC Director Paul Tupy. “Licensees must uphold their responsibility to serve lawfully and refrain from providing alcohol to underage individuals.”

If similar violations continue to occur at the premises at any time during the next year, ABC has authority to revoke the license.

The TRACE program is made possible by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The grant provides funding for ABC investigations of alcohol-related incidents that involve a person under the age of 21 causing great bodily injury or death, or anyone charged with vehicular manslaughter that was under the influence of alcohol regardless of their age.

 

Contact

Additional information may be obtained by contacting:

Public Information Office
3927 Lennane Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (916) 419-2525

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