Is Your City on ABC’s Watchlist? Extra Alcohol Service Enforcement Coming in 2025-2026

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has announced it will award nearly $3 million in grants for the 2025–26 fiscal year to 47 local law enforcement agencies across the state. These funds—part of ABC’s long-running Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program—are aimed at reducing alcohol-related crime, including sales to minors, service to obviously intoxicated patrons, and other violations that can cost businesses their licenses.

If you work in one of the listed cities or counties, you should be aware that law enforcement will have extra resources this year to conduct compliance checks, undercover operations, and targeted enforcement.

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Why This Matters for Servers & Managers

The APP Program gives local police and sheriff’s departments the means to actively monitor licensed establishments. This can mean:

• Increased minor decoy operations (sending underage individuals to attempt alcohol purchases)
  
• More shoulder tap operations (checking if adults buy alcohol for minors)
  
• Closer monitoring of service to intoxicated patrons
  
• Tighter enforcement of ABC rules, with fines, suspensions, or even license revocations for violations
  

ABC Acting Director Frank Robles emphasized:

“If we can limit youth access to alcohol, and prevent service to obviously intoxicated patrons, then we can save lives and strengthen communities.”

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Are You in a Grant-Funded Enforcement Area?

The following agencies will receive APP funding this year:

Anderson, Bakersfield, Berkeley, Buena Park, Chula Vista, Clovis, Chico State, Delano, Downey, El Centro, El Dorado County, Emeryville, Eureka, Fontana, Fullerton, Huntington Park, Huron, Inglewood, Kings County, La Mesa, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Manteca, Marysville, Merced, Modesto, Monterey County, Mountain View, Nevada County, Oceanside, Ontario, Orange County, Oxnard, Rancho Cordova, Redding, Redlands, Riverside, San Bruno, San Diego, San Fernando, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo County, Santa Clara, Santa Maria, Upland/Claremont, Watsonville, Westminster.

If you serve alcohol in these areas, expect heightened scrutiny.

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5 Ways to Avoid ABC Violations During Increased Enforcement

1. Check Every ID—No Exceptions
Even if the guest looks “obviously” over 21, take the extra 10 seconds to card them. Minor decoy operations are designed to catch complacency.

2. Recognize and Refuse Service to Intoxicated Guests
Slurred speech, poor coordination, glassy eyes, or aggressive behavior are red flags. Offer water, coffee, or food instead—and document the refusal if necessary.

3. Keep Your Team Trained and Consistent
Review RBS guidelines during pre-shift meetings, especially with seasonal or new staff. Make sure everyone understands local laws and your house’s policies.

4. Watch Out for “Second-Party” Sales
Be alert to guests purchasing drinks or bottles and immediately passing them to someone who may be underage.

5. Document Incidents Immediately
If you refuse service or have a guest issue, note the date, time, details, and any witnesses. This record could be critical if enforcement follows up.

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Bottom Line

With $3 million in APP grants fueling targeted enforcement in nearly 50 California communities, this is the year to double down on compliance. By carding every customer, refusing service when necessary, and keeping your staff trained, you not only avoid costly ABC violations—you help protect your community and your business’s reputation.

Want to read more? Check it out here: 

ABC announces 2025-26 APP Grant recipients