A liquor store in West Peoria is facing consequences as the city decided to revoke its liquor license. Express Liquors at 725 North Western Avenue has been banned from selling alcohol after failing an underage compliance check for the third time in a row. Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins recommended the revocation of the store’s license due to repeated violations.
West Peoria Mayor James Dillon expressed mixed feelings about the decision but emphasized the importance of upholding the law. He mentioned that the store had been selling alcohol to minors as young as 14, 15, and 16-year-olds, which posed a serious threat to the community. Despite the city’s efforts to work with businesses, the repeated violations by Express Liquors left them with no choice but to take action.
The store came under scrutiny following a tragic incident where a 16-year-old girl lost her life in a crash involving alcohol purchased from Express Liquors. The driver of the vehicle, who was underage, had bought the alcohol from the store. This incident, along with multiple fines for selling alcohol to minors, led to the decision to revoke the store’s license.
During the hearing, Dusek’s family, along with their attorney and law enforcement officials, provided testimony regarding the store’s illegal activities. It was revealed that the store had a reputation for selling alcohol to minors both before and after the fatal crash. Despite multiple warnings and fines, the store continued to violate the law, prompting the city to take action.
Mayor Dillon mentioned that the decision to revoke the liquor license was necessary to protect the safety of the community. While it was a difficult choice to make, he emphasized the importance of holding businesses accountable for their actions. The store owners are now looking to sell the business to someone willing to comply with the law and obtain a new liquor license.
The revocation of Express Liquors’ license is a rare occurrence in the city, highlighting the severity of the violations committed by the store. Mayor Dillon reiterated that the city’s priority is to ensure the well-being of its residents and prevent businesses from endangering the community. The decision to revoke the liquor license serves as a reminder that compliance with the law is essential for the safety and security of all.
