The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced Friday it indefinitely suspended the license of a bar in Riverside County after an investigation revealed employees were selling narcotics to customers.
ABC says the investigation was launched in August 2023 for reports of illegal conduct at Shark Bar in Moreno Valley.
“During the investigation, undercover agents purchased narcotics from employees and found other violations, which led to ABC filing the accusation,” wrote the department in a release.
The six-count accusation, according to ABC, includes charges for the sales of cocaine by an employee, the sale of cannabis by an employee, allowing patrons to possess cannabis inside the premises, allowing the negotiations for sale of controlled substances, and excessive calls for service received by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Details are limited and ABC did not immediately say whether any arrests were made in relation to this investigation.
ABC says 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,” said ABC.
