In May 2025, law enforcement across the U.S. conducted underage sting operations targeting illegal alcohol, tobacco, and vape sales. The result? Of the 52 businesses tested (excluding cases where every business failed), 15 were caught selling to underage buyers—a staggering **28.8% failure rate**. These operations led to citations, fines, and reputational damage. This pattern reveals a widespread vulnerability in manual ID checks and highlights the urgent need for reliable, automated fake ID detection. **Minor Decliner ID scanners** provide a proven solution with over 90% accuracy, helping retailers, bars, gas stations, and convenience stores comply with age-restricted sales laws and prevent fines.

Recent Underage Sales Enforcement Actions

**Cromwell, Connecticut** — Six retailers sold tobacco or vape products to underage individuals during a 23-store compliance check. [Read more](https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/cromwell-tobacco-sales-compliance-inspections-20351132.php)

**Hoboken, New Jersey** — Six liquor stores failed to ask for ID, selling alcohol to a 20-year-old undercover officer. [Read more](https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/hoboken-police-department-cracks-down-on-underage-liquor-sales)

**Camarillo, California** — Three citations issued after minors successfully purchased tobacco in a 19-store sting. [Read more](https://hoodline.com/2025/05/camarillo-sting-operation-nets-three-citations-for-illegal-tobacco-sales-to-minors/)

**Santa Monica, California** — A clerk at Bristol Farms was cited for selling alcohol to a minor. The store risks license penalties. [Read more](https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2025/05/08/santa-monica-police-cites-clerks-for-selling-alcohol-to-minor)

**Chesapeake, Virginia** — An undercover teen deputy bought vape products at 60% of visited stores. [Read more](https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/chesapeake/chesapeake-deputy-awarded-for-undercover-vape-and-tobacco-store-sting-operation)

**Cathedral City, California** — Seven arrests made during a sting targeting underage tobacco sales. [Read more](https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2025/05/27/cathedral-city-police-sting-leads-to-seven-arrests-for-selling-tobacco-to-minors)

**Sparta, Georgia** — Four stores cited, two temporarily closed, and multiple arrests made during a compliance sweep. [Read more](https://www.41nbc.com/sparta-businesses-cited-underage-alcohol-sales-operation/)

**Newport Beach, California** — Two stores were cited after selling alcohol to decoy minors. [Read more](https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2025-04-17/newport-beach-sting-operation-cites-businesses-for-selling-alcohol-to-decoy-minors)

The Common Factor: No Reliable ID Verification

All these cases have one thing in common—sales to minors that could have been prevented with automated age verification. Whether due to fake IDs, employee oversight, or manual ID checks, these businesses failed to protect themselves.

The Proven Solution: Minor Decliner ID Scanners

**Minor Decliner ID scanners** use Intellicheck’s industry-leading technology to detect fake IDs with **90%+ accuracy**. These scanners:

- Instantly verify age from government-issued IDs
- Catch high-quality fake IDs invisible to staff
- Automatically log scans for compliance documentation
- Require no employee training or judgment calls

Cheap Insurance That Prevents Costly Mistakes

For the cost of a single fine or lost weekend of sales, businesses can install a Minor Decliner scanner and avoid legal, financial, and reputational risks. It’s not just protection—it’s a smart investment in compliance and security.

Protect Your Business Before the Next Sting

Retailers, bars, gas stations, and vape shops: Don’t wait until it’s too late.

📞 **Contact Minor Decliner at 888-310-4001** (call or text) to learn how our ID scanners can protect your business from underage sales violations.