Sep 17, 2024

Oceanside Convenience Store Receives Suspension for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors

Sacramento – The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has suspended the license of Wisconsin Market in Oceanside after an employee furnished alcohol to two minors, who were subsequently involved in a car crash causing great bodily injury on October 4, 2023. Alcohol sales are prohibited until the 20-day suspension period ends. The alcohol license will also be placed on a probationary status for three years and is subject to revocation if a violation occurs.

ABC opened a TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies) investigation immediately after the crash to determine the source of the alcohol the underage driver consumed. ABC agents determined that Wisconsin Market on-duty clerk Gerardo Macdaleno furnished the alcoholic beverages. After leaving the store, the 19-year-old drove their vehicle under the influence of alcohol and crashed into a tree. The car crash resulted in multiple injuries to the driver and two passengers.

“Preventing underage drinking is a public safety priority,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “We want to remind licensees and employees to check IDs carefully and help keep Californians safe.”

ABC sought disciplinary action against Wisconsin Market’s alcoholic beverage license for furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor causing great bodily injury or death, sale of alcoholic beverages to a second minor, and delaying the peace officer who was investigating those violations. In response to the accusations, the licensee signed a settlement agreement. Under the agreement, the license is suspended for 20 days, and could be revoked if a violation occurs within the three-year probationary period.

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: pio@abc.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 419-2525

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