Community confronts underage drinking crisis in Yorba Linda

During a recent government meeting in Yorba Linda, local business owner Paul Ambrose raised concerns about underage drinking and the handling of fraudulent identification at his establishment, the Canyon Inn Sports Bar and Grill. Ambrose, who has lived and worked in the area for nearly three decades, highlighted a troubling incident from a year and a half ago that resulted in the death of a young man who had been at his bar for a brief period.

Ambrose reported that he learned of an \"epidemic\" of underage drinking in Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills during the investigation of the incident. He noted a change in regulations regarding the handling of fake IDs, stating that businesses are now required to confiscate suspected fraudulent IDs and report them to the sheriff's department within 24 hours. However, he expressed frustration that local deputies seemed unaware of this protocol, with some reportedly discarding the IDs instead of investigating them.

Ambrose questioned the police chief about the lack of investigation into fraudulent IDs, seeking clarity on whether this was a local issue or a broader county policy. He emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the safety of the community.

The meeting also included a brief session for public comments, after which the council moved on to approve the consent agenda unanimously, indicating a smooth progression of the meeting's agenda. The council expressed a willingness to follow up with Ambrose regarding his concerns, highlighting the importance of community engagement in local governance.