A longtime local business has lost its liquor license, pulled following an investigation by the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Emil’s Liquors on California Street had the license revoked, according to John Carr, an Information Officer for the ABC.

The following information was released regarding the investigation and subsequent revocation: “On Tuesday, January 15, 2019, ABC Agents posted a Notice of Revocation at Emil’s Liquor & Sport Shop located at 1405 California Street in Escalon. ABC Agents conducted an investigation into the business and found the premises was selling drug paraphernalia as well as purchasing distilled spirits believing they were stolen. Agents were able to sell “purported stolen property” to the Corporate President of the business on four separate occasions. A hearing on the matter was held in September 2018 and an Administrative Law Judge upheld ABC’s revocation of the license.”

Carr said the investigation was conducted over the course of several months and though the action was challenged in court by the owners of the business, the decision by the ABC board was upheld.

Carr added that the business can continue on with its other sport shop, food and gasoline sales but cannot sell liquor.

The California Code of Regulations does allow the store to sell the alcohol to other licensees, Carr noted.

Attempts to contact the owners for comment were unsuccessful.

However, a recently filed Fictitious Business Name in The Times shows a new name and owner for the business at 1405 California – filed as Grewal Liquor’s by Kulbir Grewal out of El Dorado Hills.

Carr said the ABC License database does not have a record of a new application at the 1405 California location.

“However, it is always possible someone might secure a Conditional Use Permit through the local process prior to applying to the ABC for a liquor license,” he added.