Downtown SLO bar caught selling alcohol to minors in sting operation, police say
F. McLintocks Saloon and Dining House in downtown San Luis Obispo could face fines, be suspended or even lose its license after allegedly selling alcohol to four minors last week.
On Thursday, SLO police officers and state Alcoholic Beverage Control agents conducted an undercover operation targeting liquor sales to minors at several local licensed businesses, according to a Monday news release from the Police Department.
During the sting operation, undercover agents, acting as patrons, visited four San Luis Obispo businesses to monitor their practices regarding identification checks at entrances, and to observe whether alcoholic drinks were served to individuals who appeared to be under 21 years old, the release said.
Agents observed no violations at three of the licensed locations in San Luis Obispo, police said.
However, at F. McLintocks at 686 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo, police said ABC agents witnessed four patrons who “they believed to be under the age of 21 years old in possession of and consuming alcoholic beverages,” according to the release.
Police officers immediately detained and identified the individuals, and all four were found to be minors, according to the release.
Three patrons were released and issued citations for minor in possession of alcohol, and one person was released and issued a citation for possession of false identification for the purposes of purchasing alcohol, the Police Department said.
“While we are proud San Luis Obispo is generally a very safe community, we have historically seen tragic and avoidable incidents result from underage drinking,” Sgt. Joe Hurni said in the release. “Conducting these operations allow us to help reduce underage drinking and increase public safety.”
After the four minors were cited, officers investigated McLintocks business staff.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will now take over the case and consider filing criminal or administrative actions against the employees and business, the release said.
“Licensees should always check identification before selling alcohol,” ABC Acting Director Frank Robles said in the release. “Our roadways and communities see improved safety when we prevent access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol.”
McLintocks could be subject to a fine, a suspension or a “permanent revocation” of its on-sale general eating place license, according to the release.
The state agency previously suspended McLintocks’ license for 30 days in 2023, The Tribune reported.
The business’ operating status has been unclear in recent years following the closure of the local chain’s Pismo Beach restaurant in 2024.
The San Luis Obispo location was reported to have closed at the same time, though it appears to have more recently begun allowing customers in once again.
Hours for the business were unclear as of Monday with Google still listing the location as “permanently closed.” The phone line for the SLO location was also disconnected as of Monday.
