Bar in Riverside County Suspended After Investigation Reveals Employees Selling Narcotics to Customers
Background
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced on Friday that it had indefinitely suspended the license of a bar in Riverside County, California, following an investigation that revealed employees were selling narcotics to customers.
Investigation Launched
The investigation was launched in August 2023 after reports of illegal conduct were made against Shark Bar in Moreno Valley. Undercover agents were sent in to purchase narcotics from employees and found other violations, which led to the ABC filing an accusation against the bar.
Accusation
The six-count accusation includes charges for the sale of cocaine by an employee, the sale of cannabis by an employee, allowing patrons to possess cannabis inside the premises, allowing the negotiations for the sale of controlled substances, and excessive calls for service received by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Consequences
The revocation decision is stayed for 180 days to allow the license to be transferred to a new owner and a new location. However, the license to sell alcohol at the premises will be suspended during this period, and the premises may no longer serve alcoholic beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the reason for the investigation?
A: The investigation was launched after reports of illegal conduct were made against Shark Bar in Moreno Valley.
Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
A: The investigation revealed that employees were selling narcotics to customers, leading to the ABC filing an accusation against the bar.
Q: What is the status of the bar’s license?
A: The bar’s license has been indefinitely suspended, but the revocation decision is stayed for 180 days to allow the license to be transferred to a new owner and a new location.
Q: Are there any details on whether arrests were made?
A: Details are limited, and ABC did not immediately say whether any arrests were made in relation to this investigation.
