The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is
investigating the newly opened Cantina Grill
&
amp; Tequila Bar in Tres Pinos for allegedly selling alcohol to
minors, according to officials.
Hollister – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is investigating the newly opened Cantina Grill & Tequila Bar in Tres Pinos for allegedly selling alcohol to minors, according to officials.
ABC spokesman John Carr couldn’t say how long the agency has been aware the business has allegedly serviced underage drinkers. However, no action has been taken against the restaurant and bar at this time, Carr said.
“At this time we’re investigating that complaint,” he said. “I can’t go into much more detail.”
The Cantina, owned by winemaker Frank Leal who also owns Leal Vineyards, opened in April and serves 200 kinds of tequila along with Baja-California-themed cuisine.
A spokesman for Leal Vineyards said the idea was to give the over-21 crowd a place to enjoy exotic tequilas and provide some much-needed nightlife. The bar also showcases live bands on the weekends in its open-air patio.
Leal said he wasn’t aware his business was under investigation and that the bar has a strict policy of checking the identification of all its patrons. Before opening he provided his staff with training on how to properly check an ID and how to spot fakes, and bought a scanner to scan IDs, as well, he said.
“We’ve confiscated four to five IDs already and kicked out many a people for being underage or having fake IDs,” Leal said.
If an investigation reveals a business is selling alcohol to minors, a variety of consequences can result, Carr said. Depending on the business’s background and history, the ABC can send a letter of warning, charge a fine of varying amounts, suspend its liquor license or revoke it permanently, he said.
