Officials suspended the alcohol-serving privileges of an Los Angeles restaurant for 30 days after learning that female employees illegally solicited drinks from male customers, the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control said.
La Defence Korea Restaurant and Bar at 3701 Wilshire Blvd. suffered the 30-day penalty after undercover Los Angeles Police officers found that women working at the eatery added a surcharge to the alcoholic beverages for keeping the men company, ABC spokesman Will Salao said.
The women would then receive cash for providing these services, Salao added. These alleged practices, he said, contribute to the “over-service” of alcohol, which can endanger the public.
ABC is a department of the state’s Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.
—Staff and wire reports