Five liquor retailers were busted Monday by SLO police in a sting operation for selling alcohol to minors.

Lincoln Market, Laguna BBQ and Brew, Central Coast Wines, Old Country Deli, and Flyers each face fines of up to $1,500 and could get their liquor licenses suspended or revoked. One employee from Central Coast Wines said he might have to pay a $750 fine.

"It was a total lapse of judgment on my part," said the salesman, who asked not to be named. He said he failed to ask a young woman for identification. "I can't stress to you how careful I usually am. My intent was not to sell to a minor, that's for sure."

Police sent underage decoys to 41 locations citywide to purchase beer, wine, or liquor.

-A.M.